
Class __:^^ 

Book 

Copyright N? 

COBsasax beiusic 



The Higher Aspect 
of Nursing 



By 
Gertrude Harding 



Philadelphia and London 

W. B. Saunders Company 
1919 



.-iX 






'I^'O.X-^ 



Copyright, igiQ, by W. B. Saunders Company 



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PRINTED IN AMERICA 

PRESS OF 

W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



ICI.A5I55C6 ^y 



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To that noble band of women — the Professional 
Nurses — who have consecrated their lives to the care 
of the sick, and who are fighting one of the greatest 
battles of civilization in behalf of Nature's Constructive 
Principle — the battle for the health of Humanity — 
this volume is dedicated by 

THE AUTHOR 



FOREWORD 



The writer feels that she owes to those who may read 
the following pages, a brief statement of the experiences 
which have impelled her publicly to venture her views 
on the subject of nursing. She believes (with becoming 
modesty, she hopes) that she has a definite message for 
those who are now actively interested in, and for all 
those who in future may devote their lives to, the profes- 
sion to which her own life has been devoted. She even 
presumes to hope that her efforts may prove helpful to 
some of her fellow nurses — if not to all — who shall follow 
her, free from prejudice and with the honest desire to 
improve. 

She wishes, in any event, to give to those who are in- 
terested in this noble, unselfish and diflScult work such 
benefits as she has derived from her personal experiences, 
analyses, reasonings, deductions and conclusions, in the 
hope that these may be of some real service to them in 
their own work. 

During her life as a practising nurse she has studied 
long and earnestly the rnany and various problems of a 
nurse's life and work, always with the purpose and hope 
of finding for these problems practical solutions which 
might be passed on to her fellow nurses and serve them 
in the diflScult and arduous path they have elected to 
travel. 

She has the temerity to believe that she has found 
solutions of at least some of the problems she has encoun- 
tered in her life as an active nurse. Her earnest desire 
now is to pass her knowledge on to her fellow workers, 

7 



8 FOREWORD 



with a personal appeal to each and everyone to experi- 
ment with the "remedies," and determine for herself the 
correctness of the solutions. 

The author completed a three years' course of practical 
training in one of the Eastern hospitals which accepted 
patients from all classes of society. After this she did 
private nursing for one year in the poorer districts of a 
large city. During this time she came in contact with 
the less intelligent classes of people, and thus had an 
opportunity to study nurses from their point of view. 
After a year of this work she entered one of the high-class 
hospitals of the same city, in the capacity of head, sur- 
gical nurse, coming in very close contact with many of the 
well-known physicians and surgeons, and particularly 
with many nurses of widely varying types of womanhood. 
For six months she was in position to study the motives, 
ideals, inner workings and experiences of these nurses. 

Subsequently, at the New York Neurological Institute, 
nine months of daily personal contact with almost every 
type of womanhood — from those of the highest intelli- 
gence and ideals to the lowest — afforded another oppor- 
tunity to study the members of the profession in their 
active and practical work. For, New York City seems 
to be a congregating place for nurses from all over the 
world, because of its working advantages and its many 
attractions. 

All nurses intermingle in the hospitals. Those whose 
motives are the noblest and most unselfish live and work 
side by side with those who are actuated by motives and 
impulses the meanest, most sordid and selfish. 

Follow^ing the nine months of post-graduate work in 
the heart of New York City, she began private nursing 



FOREWORD 9 



in that city, and lived in a large home which was occupied 
always by an average of thirty nurses. These nurses, 
when not busy on cases, or awaiting calls, would meet in 
the different rooms of the home for friendly visits and 
chats, or in the large reception hall where together they 
enjoyed music, singing, or other entertainment. This 
gave the very best opportunity for studying these women 
in their freedom, unhampered by any forced conventions, 
or false dignity. 

Two months she lived daily among these women, 
studying their lives, their motives, their inspirations, and 
their purposes. Subsequently she was employed in a 
private sanitarium, in one of the fashionable suburbs of 
New York City, where she remained for five months in 
charge of a nervous patient. Here she was thrown into 
an association with a considerable number of English 
nurses, together with many others from different points 
in this country. 

Later she was Superintendent of Nurses in a private 
sanitarium. This institution was under the personal 
supervision of a General Superintendent who accepted 
only such nurses and helpers as were willing to conform 
their lives, as nearly as may be possible, to a definite code 
of moral principles and ideals. Thus, as Superintendent 
of Nurses, she was brought in contact with a class of 
women who were held to a definite standard of life; and 
it afforded her many opportunities, much pleasure and 
valuable experience in the study of human nature. 

She believes she has been associated with most of the 
varying types of womanhood; and in her association with 
all classes of patients, physicians and nurses she has been 
able to identify and classify at least some of the problems 



10 FOREWORD 



and difficulties of a nurse's life. She hopes these expe- 
riences and associations will be accepted by her readers 
as a substantial basis for the deductions and conclusions 
contained in this volume. 

From personal observations and interviews with dis- 
interested patients, physicians, and people entirely out- 
side the medical profession, the writer has found that 
the general reputation of nurses, as a class, is very far 
below the ideal. Scarcely any other profession has so 
invited and called down upon itself, both justly and un- 
justly, the criticism of the outside world. This has been 
a source of profound regret and sorrow; for, many beau- 
tiful and noble souls, with the loftiest ideals, who are 
striving to give the best of their lives to the Cause of 
Humanity, must unjustly suffer along with those of the 
profession who justly deserve, and are responsible for the 
establishment of, such a reputation. 

The moral laxity and almost uncontrollable desire for 
relaxation following a strenuous case, tend to immorality 
on the part of the individual nurse, as well as to the deg- 
radation of the reputation of her profession. Usually 
among the so-called "upper class" of society no nurse is 
considered a "lady." This is because in some cases she 
is "earning a salary," and in others because she is not 
"high-born." 

But being a "real lady" includes and involves vastly 
more than these requisites; and in the following pages an 
earnest effort is made to point out and define a "real 
lady." It is hoped thus to stimulate each reader with 
the desire to merit fully that designation and know in 
her inmost soul that she deserves it. If each nurse who 
reads these lines will, to the best of her knowledge and 



FOREWORD 11 



abilities, strive to become a true lady, in a very short 
time the general reputation of the profession will be what 
we truly desire it to be — one of the highest and most 
exalted in the world. 

The author, as a result of the years of her experience, 
has arrived at the conviction that no woman has a moral 
right to enter the nursing profession with purely selfish 
motives. There is a higher aspect of the profession which 
seems to have eluded many of those who enter upon it. 

It is to this higher aspect of the subject, and to this 
more exalted view, that the attention and interest of the 
reader are invited in the following work. 

These are the credentials of 

The Author. 

Ajyril, 1919. 



CONTENTS 



Page 
Foreword 9 

CHAPTER I 
Preliminary Explanation 1*7 

CHAPTER II 

Unworthy Motives 21 

CHAPTER III 

Demoralizing Influence of Physicians 37 

CHAPTER IV 

Discordant Magnetisms 48 

CHAPTER V 
Irritability and Impatience 64 

CHAPTER VI 

Intolerance 72 

CHAPTER VII 
Indolence * 81 

CHAPTER VIII 
Procrastination 99 

CHAPTER IX 

Emotionalism 104 

13 



14 CONTENTS 



CHAPTER X 

Page 
Gossip 112 



CHAPTER XI 
Dishonesty 119 

CHAPTER XII 
Adverse Criticism 126 

CHAPTER XIII 

Tactlessness 132 

CHAPTER XIV 
Jealousy and Envy 140 

CHAPTER XV 
Officiousness 145 

CHAPTER XVI 

Failure to Educate Patients 150 

CHAPTER XVII 

Failure TO Entertain Patients During Convalescence. . . 160 

CHAPTER XVIII 
Self-pity 165 

CHAPTER XIX 
Morbidness 172 

CHAPTER XX 
Moral Laxity 177 



CONTENTS 15 



CHAPTER XXI 

Page 

Vanity 192 

CHAPTER XXII 
Fear 199 

CHAPTER XXIII 

Disloyalty 210 

CHAPTER XXIV 
Selfishness 221 

CHAPTER XXV 

Personal Uncleanliness 2S2 

CHAPTER XXVI 

The Ideal Nurse 250 

CHAPTER XXVII 

Personal Responsibility in the True Social Relation . . . 281 



Index 303 



The Higher Aspect of Nursing 



CHAPTER I 

Preliminary Explanation 

Let it be understood at the outset that this is not a 
work of criticism. There is no intention of condemning 
the regular, conventional training required of a nurse 
prior to the time she receives her diploma entitling her 
to practice as a professional. The necessity for such 
training is fully understood and heartily approved. 

It is assumed that the reader is either a graduate 
nurse who has had this regular, conventional training, 
or is now in process of acquiring that education. It is 
also assumed that in this training the reader has been, 
or is being, educated to a definite knowledge of the 
nurse's responsibilities and work in caring for the sick. 

Assuming these to be true, the purpose is to point 
out a higher aspect of nursing which is not sufficiently 
taught in the regular training schools. The desire, 
if possible, is to open the way for the introduction of 
that higher education which has to do with the building 
of individual character. It is hoped to stimulate in 
every nurse an earnest desire and the personal effort to 
make her life and character an exemplification of true 
womanhood. For, this is the only basis of real success 
in her own profession, as well as in all others. 

The following chapters of this work will deal with the 
Temptations of Nurses. It is believed, however, that 

2 17 



18 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

preparatory to this, it is well to give a short explanation 
of the reasons for making this the subject of the present 
volume. What follows is an attempt to do this as 
clearly and concisely as possible: 

1. From personal experience it has been noted that, 
in the majority of cases, women enter upon their training 
as nurses innocently and comparatively ignorant of 
human nature in its many different phases. The average 
novitiate enters upon her studies with a very limited 
idea of the many and various temptations and difficulties 
she will have to meet and face alone, as an individual, 
in her chosen profession. Not realizing these tempta- 
tions, she enters upon her training almost wholly un- 
prepared for side-stepping the many pitfalls she in- 
evitably will find in her pathway. 

During her course in training school she is continually 
facing these difficulties and temptations; but, at the 
same time, she is not acquiring the knowledge necessary 
to meet and overcome them. No knowledge is given 
her, from those in charge of her training, which will 
equip her successfully to meet and overcome these 
temptations. After the completion of her school 
training she enters upon her regular, professional work 
no more prepared to recognize and overcome the tempta- 
tions which lie in her pathway than when she first 
entered upon her schooling. 

In many instances she is far less equipped to do so. 
For, because of certain degrading influences and tend- 
encies unavoidably surrounding her in the training 
school, such high ideals of individual character and of the 
nursing profession as she may have possessed before 
entering have been, to some extent, vitiated or de- 



PRELIMINARY EXPLANATION 19 

stroyed. She enters the outside, professional work 
with a somewhat perverted ideal of nursing and a more 
or less demoralized standard of life. Therefore, she 
is unable always to recognize temptations, as such; 
and, when she does, often lacks the moral stamina to 
overcome them. 

2. The many temptations of a nurse's life, as such, 
present themselves in various and most subtle ways. 
They disguise themselves so cunningly, so cleverly 
and so adroitly that, without a previous knowledge of 
these different phases, one would be inclined to overlook 
them as temptations. And no temptation can be over- 
come until it is first recognized as such. 

It is a means of education to every individual to have 
difficulties pointed out by definition, illustration and 
elucidation in advance, until they become so impressed 
upon the individual's consciousness that they are for- 
ever before the mind. 

In this work it is hoped so to define, identify and clas- 
sify the various forms of temptation that each and 
every individual who studies them will be able to recog- 
nize, identify, understand and appreciate them in what- 
ever form they may appear. The purpose then is to 
outline the remedy for each of these difficulties in a 
manner that will enable each individual nurse to apply 
it to her own life and experiences. 

3. One of the most lamentable phases of the subject 
is in the fact that many temptations occur so frequently 
in the lives of nurses (especially those who have been 
in the profession for any length of time) that one has 
yielded before she is fully aware of the fact; and, after 
the first or second yielding, that particular form of self- 



20 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

indulgence becomes a matter-of-course to her. Later, 
inevitably and perhaps unconsciously, it becomes a 
fixed habit of life. It is accepted as one of the privileges 
or prerogatives of the nurse's profession and is taken for 
granted. 

Through continued observance of the different forms 
of self-indulgence practised among her associate nurses, 
it soon comes to pass that such temptations are over- 
looked, and their evil effects are ignored. This is human 
nature the world over. 

Naturally, the Uves, moral characters and ideals of 
these older members of the profession have their potent 
influence on the younger members. Not having been 
taught differently, these younger members soon come 
to accept the moral laxities and lower ideals of their 
seniors and superiors as legitimate. This also is human 
nature. 

The object of the following chapters on ^^ Tempta- 
tions^^ is to define, identify, classify and illustrate as 
many of the most common temptations of the nurse's 
life as possible; and to do this in such manner that each 
and every nurse will be able to recognize the various 
temptations, whenever and wherever she meets them, 
and thus be prepared to overcome them. 

The purpose is to place within the reach of the younger 
members oi this noble profession, in advance, a knowl- 
edge that will be of service to them during their school- 
ing, as well as during their professional fives. 

And lastly, it is hoped to inspire those whose moral 
sensibilities have been blunted, by experience in the 
midst of temptations, with a higher ideal of their responsi- 
bilities, and a more exalted standard of life. 



CHAPTER II 

Unworthy Motives 

From personal experience and observation it is be- 
lieved that Motive is the primary consideration of every 
prospective nurse. An effort has been made to deter- 
mine the essential, beginning point of temptation, in 
the lives of those who elect to enter the training school. 
This has demonstrated the fact that a motive always 
precedes an action, whether that motive be defined defi- 
nitely in the actor's mind, or not. Therefore, before a 
woman enters a school of nursing she has a motive for so 
doing, whether she has consciously stated that motive 
in her own mind, or not. 

This motive may be noble and unselfish, or it may be 
of the meanest and most selfish character. However, it 
is a motive. Through study of the members of the pro- 
fession, it has been observed that, in a large measure, the 
motives impelling nurses have been very largely of the 
purely selfish kind. These are many and varied. 

In the following pages an effort will be made to pre- 
sent, illustrate and classify these various motives, in 
such manner that the reader may know and recognize 
them, and appreciate their unworthiness. It is hoped, 
then, that they may realize and appreciate the impor- 
tance of right motives in the nursing profession. 

The following are the motives most frequently 
observed : 

21 



22 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

1. Need of a home. 

2. An occupation. 

3. To forget sorrow and trouble. 

4. Shelter for hiding. 

5. Practical training and knowledge. 

6. The study of human nature. 

7. Adventure. 

8. Money. 

9. Romance. 
10. Matrimony. 

■ 11. Unselfish service to humanity. 

The Hmitations of this volume will not permit a de- 
tailed consideration of all these various motives. Refer- 
ence will be made, therefore, to those which appear to 
be of most vital importance. 

Women frequently enter the training schools of nurs- 
ing for the simple and sole purpose of finding a home, or 
a shelter from the outside business world. Frequently, 
too, we find those entered there by relatives who, in 
their goodness, as they believe, have found them a home — 
without having consulted the desire, choice, or abilities 
of the individual concerned. 

These women enter, or are entered, with absolutely 
no motive in their own souls other than to have a place 
to eat, sleep and five. They do not consider the sorrows, 
trials, heartaches and disappointments they inevitably 
must encounter. Neither do they have any true desire 
to be of service to the sick and the weary. These altru- 
istic ideas are foreign to them. They enter the work with- 
out enthusiasm or interest, begin the grind of making 
beds, bathing patients, rolling bandages, etc., and con- 
tinue this grind, each day becoming more weary of the 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 23 

drudge. Consequently, before the term of their conven- 
tional schooling is completed the hard work and con- 
tinual suffering they have faced have, as a rule, embit- 
tered them, disappointed them, and lowered any ideals they 
may have had of the nursing profession. However, 
the fear of being cast into the world without a home, or 
a place to live, hangs over them as a shadow. They 
decide to live out the drudgery until they receive their 
diploma entitling them to do "professional nursing." 
This will enable them, in turn, to earn money and pro- 
vide for themselves a home. They proceed in the work 
of nursing with this alone as an impetus. The drudgery 
continues (for drudgery it is without the higher ideal con- 
stantly in mind) until they become irritable, embittered, 
pessimistic and selfish, and a disgrace to the profession. 

The work of a nurse is so difficult, so nerve-racking, 
so discouraging at times, and calls for such a vast amount 
of unselfish effort, that only those are able to do it suc- 
cessfully who are actuated by unselfish motives, high 
ideals, a constructive attitude of soul, and the moral 
stamina necessary to maintain their ideals "in the midst 
of a hostile environment." 

The second destructive motive is a mercenary one. 
The money temptation is one which enters into almost 
every profession of life. The nursing profession is no 
exception. It has many applicants who have the idea 
that it will enable them to make a large amount of 
money easily with the minimum of work. There comes 
a time, in the lives of a certain class of women, when they 
are compelled to face the problem of deciding upon an 
occupation through which they can earn a living. The 
question is: What profession can they enter which will 



24 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

afford the largest amount of wages for the smallest 
amount of personal effort and actual work ? 

They have heard of the salaries demanded by graduate 
nurses for private-duty work; and, to them, the salaries 
are enormous for the amount of work required. They 
get the idea that the nursing profession is a great "pay- 
ing business'* — a sort of gold mine, as it were — and there- 
upon they elect this as their life work. Consequently, 
they enter the school of training with this object in view 
— to obtain the highest salary of a professional nurse. 

The probationery period is interesting and educating. 
The work is enjoyable and not difficult; therefore, the 
applicant who enters with the mercenary motive usually 
does her work well, appears interested, and is accepted 
as one of the regular class of nurses. After a year or 
two the conventional work inevitably palls, becomes 
monotonous, wearisome and uninteresting. She con- 
tinues, however, always bearing in mind the time when 
she will receive her diploma and be entitled to the stand- 
ard "large salary" of the private-duty nurse. This 
incentive leads her on to complete her course, however 
monotonous it has grown, and however lacking she has 
become in the real spirit of the work. 

The work of private nursing is entered upon very enthu- 
siastically because of the money which is to be received 
at the termination of each case. Great plans are made 
for the disposal of the "small fortune." And thus, at 
the outset of her journey, she is more or less unselfish 
and interested in her work as a private nurse. Her 
first wages delight her soul, and she believes she has 
chosen her life's work wisely. 

Her first year as a professional nurse passes. Upon 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 25 

looking back over it she finds that the "small fortune" 
she had anticipated is chiefly conspicuous by its absence. 
In her planning she has failed to realize the expenses of 
a nurse, or the unoccupied weeks, perhaps months, be- 
tween cases during which time her expenses continue. 
This she had overlooked. Now, however, in reviewing 
her accounts for the year she discovers, with deep disap- 
pointment, that the expenses have about balanced the 
income. Added to this disappointment is a realization 
of the uninteresting and monotonous life she has led 
while working with the idea of money alone in mind, 
and while waiting at home, day after day, for a case call. 
It seems hardly worth while to her — from a purely money 
standpoint. 

However, after carefully studying the problem, she 
decides that possibly, after all, one year is not a fair trial. 
She intends to test out the following year by continuing 
to do the same character of work and by exercising 
greater economy. The year's work is begun in this atti- 
tude, with the hope of making more money. 

Each case becomes more wearisome, uninteresting and 
repulsive to her, even though it does bring a large salary. 
Upon completing a case she finds herself irresistibly 
drawn to various kinds of entertainment to break the 
monotony of her life. She spends a considerable amount 
of extra money in accomplishing this end; but she ap- 
peases her conscience by promising herself to be more 
saving — after the next case. Following each case, how- 
ever, she finds herself demanding more of the expensive 
forms of entertainment, and she grows less and less in- 
terested in her work. 

This continues until at the end of the second year she 



26 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

is thoroughly disgusted with the drudgery of conven- 
tional nursing. This disgust is increased threefold when 
she finds that her bank account is no larger than it was 
at the beginning of the year. She is heart-sick and 
weary, discouraged and disgusted, disappointed with 
the nursing profession, and inclined to take up some other 
line of work. All worthy ideals of her profession, enter- 
tained by her prior to entering the school of training, are 
shattered. 

She finds it difficult to leave this work after three years 
of schoohng, during which time she has earned virtually 
nothing. She feels that she cannot afford to give it up 
now, and therefore determines to go on as a sort of 
martyr. 

It is in this attitude of soul that she enters upon her 
third year of nursing, with no desire nor motive but 
merely to make money enough to carry her through the 
year. Her influence on patients and associates has be- 
come more and more depressing and disheartening. She 
radiates disappointment, heartache and discouragement; 
therefore, she finds it more and more difficult to secure 
eases. She continues in the profession, however, a blot 
and a discord, a living justification of the public's 
condemnation. 

And this result follows because she entered the profes- 
sion with an unworthy motive, one which does credit 
neither to herself as a woman -nor to the dignity of the 
profession she has chosen. 

The third motive is that of Marriage. 

Marriage is one of the greatest events of a woman's 
life. It is an experience to which she has the right to 
look forward with happy anticipations. It is the dream 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 27 

of almost every true woman at some time in her life. It 
is one of her struggles for happiness. It is a legitimate, 
normal desire and a constructive one. For, any woman 
not having this desire at some period in her life, is ab- 
normal. But however strong this desire and longing 
may be, it never must be allowed to fill the dominant 
place in a woman's life. She must not allow it to be- 
come the sole theme of her essential being and shape 
her course according to that dominant longing. In- 
sofar as she allows this, the desire becomes destructive. 

But how often we find this to be true ! How frequently 
we find women doing a certain kind of work with the 
only object in view of "getting a husband!" How com- 
mon it is to find women allowing themselves to be domi- 
nated by this longing or desire, until it becomes, instead 
of a noble and constructive inspiration, a most destruc- 
tive factor in their fives! It is, indeed, far too often 
that we find this true. 

There is a considerable class of women whose sole 
object in life appears to be that of marriage. This class 
is again divided into two sub-classes, according to motive : 

1. Those who have a true and earnest desire for the 
love relation. 

2. Those who have a strong desire for someone to 
support them. 

It is the second class to which this chapter specifically 
refers. 

Either because of financial anxieties, or because of 
pure indolence, the women of this class decide they must 
have someone to support them. They come to the con- 
clusion that marriage is the best and easiest solution of 
the problem. Then begins the search for a husband. 



28 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Knowing that nurses, in their work, are thrown into 
close relation with men of every type and station in Hfe, 
this appears to them a large field for their "researches." 
Accordingly, they decide to enter the field of nursing. 
If they know of the difficult and strenuous hfe of the 
practical nurse, they lead themselves to beHeve that 
"the end will justify the means." In other words, they 
are willing to work hard, even drudge, day after day if 
at the end they can capture a "husband." On the other 
hand, if they are ignorant of the difficulties of this work, 
they enter the profession enthusiastically, but with no 
motive in the world other than to gratify the longing 
of the soul for a husband. 

By feigned or forced interest, and through purely me- 
chanical work, they are accepted, perhaps on trial, into 
the regular class of nurses. After they have received 
the uniform and have become established in the work the 
real search begins. They put forth every effort to work 
among the male patients, and then to captivate and win 
them. This is their inspiration. The necessary work 
they find assigned them is done as rapidly and carelessly 
as possible, without interest or though tfulness, or any deep 
sense of responsibility. It is simply a means to an end. 
As they continue in the course, with their interest and ener- 
gies directed in other channels, the work is virtually for- 
gotten and inevitably shirked. It becomes tiresome and 
monotonous; but they continue in it, always hoping and 
waiting for the realization of their purpose and, in the 
meantime, doing as little work as possible. 

Perhaps during their schooling they become "engaged." 
If not, it usually is no longer than a year following grad- 
uation before this important event occurs. By some 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 



hook or crook the end is accomplished. But God and 
the nurse alone know how. The work, in the meantime, 
has been done carelessly, has been shirked. All attention 
has been directed in another channel; and the reputation 
of the profession, as well as that of the nurse herself, 
has suffered accordingly. 

Perhaps the accomphshment of the object of these 
women's lives brings happiness to them, but more fre- 
quently unhappiness is the result. Consequently, their 
nursing experience has been the cause; and, therefore, all 
manner of hard things are thought and said of the pro- 
fession by these disappointed seekers. This adds nothing 
of good to the outside view of the profession, but only 
serves to justify the low respect in which it is held by 
many. Because of the women who enter the portals of 
this noble work with such motives, the other and more 
worthy members suffer alike the degraded reputation 
of those who justly deserve it. 

At this point it seems proper to digress from the 
direct line of the theme, sufficiently to express a few 
thoughts on the subject of real Happiness as a result 
of True Marriage. The kindly forbearance and patience 
of the reader is asked during this short divergence, 
which may or may not be of interest to her. 

Consciously or unconsciously, the objective point of 
every individual's Hfe is Happiness. From the begin- 
ning of his existence he is searching and striving for 
Happiness; for, ^'Happiness is the highest attainment 
of the soul,^^ and he intuitively recognizes this. His 
life is made up of struggles to reach this objective point. 

Some may think they have found happiness in money, 
others in art, others in music. They may believe they 



30 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

have found happiness in some professional work. Yet, 
a time comes when there seems to be a void in their Hves, 
a longing for something they have not found. If these 
would but analyze this craving and understand its mean- 
ing they would find in themselves a longing for a greater 
happiness which never can be attained through money, 
social position, art, music, nor any professional work. 

After years of experience and study in this line, stu- 
dents and searchers for Truth have come to the reaHza- 
tion that true happiness is the result of the perfect mar- 
riage relation alone. The true marriage relation has for 
its only basis perfect love: therefore, complete happiness 
can be only the result of the perfect love relation. It 
comes only through the perfect union of man and woman 
who are intelligently and harmoniously mated. 

"Only, the man and woman who love really live. Only 
such as these are exercising the highest faculty of the 
soul. Only such as these experience that rare exhilara- 
tion of body, spirit and soul which constitutes the highest 
earthly happiness.^* 

'^ Happiness is a matter of intelligent companionship, 
of sympathy and confidential cooperation, with another 
individual of our own plane of development."^ 

"The highest and most exalted phase or mode of con- 
sciousness is the desire of the soul for Individual Com- 
pletion. Its satisfaction involves the highest activity 
of the soul, which is Love. Its complete satisfaction we 
call 'Happiness.^ " 

"The attainment of rational Happiness rests primarily 
upon a possible, perfect marriage relation."^ 

1 "Harmonics of Evolution," by Florence Huntley. 

2 "The Great Work," by TK. 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 31 

The above quotations point out the fact that real 
Happiness can be attained only through the true mar- 
riage relation, which is the result of the perfect love 
existing between man and woman. 

A marriage resulting from any other motive or desire 
than for the companionship and inspiration of the loved 
one is a disgrace to the individual, the sex, and the 
entire human race. 

When every woman accepts this as her ideal of true 
marriage and strives to become worthy of the happiness 
resulting from such marriage, we no longer will find the 
nursing profession encumbered by the class of "man 
hunters" spoken of in the preceding pages; and, as a 
result, the standard of the profession will be raised. 

The last unworthy motive to be considered is that of 
Romance, 

The assertion that at least one-third of the women 
who enter the nursing profession do so with the idea of 
enjoying a most "romantic" life would seem to be justi- 
fied by the facts at command. That is the motive which 
impels them to enter this field of occupation. The 
emotional side of their natures craves romance, and the 
occupation of nursing seems very promising to them in 
this particular. 

These women usually are of the frivolous, impetuous 
and vacillating type. They have had few, if any, seri- 
ous thoughts in life, or never have acquired any real 
knowledge of definite things. They enter into the field 
of nursing without consideration of the work and its 
difliculties, and without any knowledge of the disappoint- 
ments they inevitably must encounter. The only idea 
in their minds is Romance, 



32 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

They enter a school of nursing. While the work as- 
signed is performed, usually in a slip-shod, careless man- 
ner, it is done without real interest. What extra time they 
can command is spent in romancing, or in carrying on 
flirtations with the patients or doctors, instead of being 
devoted to the acquisition of more knowledge of their 
profession and work. In other words, no more time is 
devoted to nursing than is absolutely demanded of them. 

Women of this class, as a rule, will entertain, and be 
entertained by, almost any male patient or doctor who 
will show any interest in them. All effort is made to 
attract the attention of the men to themselves by every 
means available. These are the nurses we find keeping 
company with and entertaining doctors and patients 
contrary to hospital rules, and disregarding the entire 
ethics of their profession. The time off duty is spent 
in this way, and usually any form of entertainment is 
indulged, whether it savors of immorality or not. They 
are enjoying Romance. 

When personal attention is paid them by physicians 
they are flattered, and immediately anticipate some ro- 
mantic ending. Women of this type do not know, of 
course, that usually one of the first efforts of certain phy- 
sicians is to break down the dignity and reserve of every 
new nurse, simply for the pleasure it affords them, and 
because they rather feel it is expected of them. Associa- 
tion with nurses of this type has led a number of physi- 
cians to feel that it is their duty, as it were, to become 
familiar with every nurse, and carry on flirtation with 
her. This very thing is what these same doctors, particu- 
larly in the hospitals, endeavor to do. At every oppor- 
tunity they will, by word or act, embarrass, or lead on 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 33 

a nurse, until she forgets her dignity — unless she is strong 
enough and has the moral stamina to withstand the temp- 
tation. But our romancers are ignorant of this fact. 

Because of the number of women of this class in the 
nursing profession, some of the physicians have come to 
regard all nurses as mere "playthings," when not actually 
doing the conventional work of nursing. While a woman 
is assisting with the dressing of wounds, or making beds, 
or giving medicines, she is a nurse, and is held rigidly to 
her dignity as such; but when this work is completed, 
immediately the physician forgets that she ever had 
dignity or womanliness, and treats her as an individual 
without intelligence. 

Certainly, the nurses themselves are partially re- 
sponsible for this attitude on the part of certain physi- 
cians; for many nurses are, in reality, no more than they 
are actually given credit for. But all nurses suffer this 
reputation along with the romancers. And this is unjust ! 

The only way to lead these physicians out of this "path 
of destruction" is for each individual nurse to have the 
moral courage, the strength and the perseverance to 
retain her dignity and proper reserve against any tempta- 
tion put in her way by any physician. 

The entire school course of these women is lived through 
in just this manner. They accomplish the necessary 
work as hastily as possible, and with the minimum of 
effort — ^just so it will pass inspection — and romance the 
balance of the time. By "bluffing" at every possible 
step of the way, in lectures and work, they get through 
and are given a diploma. They now have the right to 
do professional nursing, which they look forward to as 
another possible large field for romancing. 



34 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

The work is accomplished in the same mamier, except 
that now the flirtation and entertainment are carried on 
with the male members of the patient's family. The 
patient is neglected; and it is not infrequently we learn 
of a crisis, or even a death, occurring while a nurse is 
somewhere else, entertaining a member of the family. 

These women continue, year after year, in the field of 
this work, always with the object of romance in mind. 
They continue carrying on flirtations, Hving reckless 
lives, neglecting their work and patients. They continue 
to lead on the pubHc in the idea that the majority of 
nurses hve for romance. They continue to degrade and 
ruin the reputation of the nursing profession. 

While there are many other unworthy motives which 
impel women to enter the nursing profession, those re- 
ferred to are the most frequent and important ones, and 
those which exercise most influence on the reputation 
of the profession. Each one expresses a phase of some 
fundamental, destructive element of human character. 

Let us stop for a moment to consider the underlying 
elements which are at the basis of these unworthy 
motives: 

The first under consideration is the desire for a home. 
The person with such a desire, and such a motive, thinks 
only of herseK and of her longing for something she has 
not. She sets out to acquire the object of her longing 
regardless of the inconvenience or destruction she may 
cause in the process of acquisition. This is selfishness, 
pure and simple; and her motive is an expression of that 
selfishness. In this motive we may find also an element 
of fear, namely, that of finding herself without a home. 



UNWORTHY MOTIVES 35 

Hence, the first unworthy motive is a phase of selfish- 
ness and fear — chiefly selfishness. 

We all know that selfishness is an unworthy motive, 
the result of a most destructive impulse. It generally 
is accepted by students of, and authorities on, the subject 
that those who shape their lives by the motives and im- 
pulses of selfishness may gain temporary advantages 
over their fellows, but sooner or later must "reap what 
they have sown," and inevitably will be forced to re- 
alize that the journey of their lives has been along the 
downward path. 

The mercenary motive always is a phase of selfishness 
and fear, insofar as we allow the desire for hoarding to 
become dominant in our lives. 

While those of us who hoard may find satisfaction in 
the hoarding, even this satisfaction may have the effect 
of so stultifying our views of life that we fail to see the 
upward path of unselfish service which leads to Light and 
Happiness. 

Marriage, with the sole object of having someone to 
support us, is undoubtedly an act of selfishness. 

Again we find that while this phase of selfishness has 
been satisfied, happiness has not been attained, nor do 
we find ourselves any nearer the great goal of life because 
of it. 

The underlying motive which impels any person to 
seek pleasure in romance will be found, upon analysis, 
to be Vanity, either of person or intelligence — usually 
both. 

And so we find back of every unworthy motive these 
great, underlying, destructive elements of character — 
Selfishness, Fear, Vanity! 



36 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

These elements, in all their many phases, are great 
destructive factors in the life and character of any indi- 
vidual, and bring degradation and ruin into his life. 
The great duty of every individual is to control these de- 
structive elements and tendencies and convert them into 
constructive forces. 

So, too, these factors, when allowed to enter into the 
noble and unselfish profession of nursing, are most de- 
structive elements and bring degradation and ruin to 
the profession as well as to the individual. Every woman 
entering this profession owes it to herself, as well as to the 
profession, to know the Law of Life, and pledge herself, 
in advance, to a conformance with its demands upon her. 
For this underlies all real and permanent success. 

With such unworthy motives in the souls of a number 
of those women who enter the field of nursing, is it any 
wonder that the profession has acquired a questionable 
reputation in the eyes of some of the general public ? 

The Law of Constructive Life is the Law of Unselfish 
Service, 



CHAPTER III 
Demoralizing Influence of Physicians 

In this chapter the desire is to present to the reader 
what has come to be regarded as the first and most 
vital temptation of a nurse's Hfe after entering the 
training school. 

This is the inevitable temptation arising from the 
destructive influence of certain physicians upon the life 
and character of every nurse. 

While this temptation is exerted throughout the entire 
life of the nurse, it more frequently exists during her 
course of training; and the damage to her character, 
if at all, is done largely during this period. 

Almost every woman, at the outset of her course of 
nursing, possesses at least a reasonable amount of self- 
respect and dignity. After entering the hospital work 
she finds herself constantly facing the temptation of 
losing this self-respect which is one of the essential and 
most vital prerequisites of a good nurse. 

She finds this temptation arising from two sources, 
namely, from the patients — usually the male patients — 
and from internes and visiting physicians — most fre- 
quently the latter. These physicians, of the class re- 
ferred to, endeavor, in every way possible, to break 
down her reserve and dignity, and establish familiar 
relations with her. 

From the first day of her work in the training school 

37 



38 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

she is brought m contact with the physicians, and some- 
times with male patients; and she continues to be so 
throughout her entire school course. From this time 
forward she is facing the temptation above referred to. 
From the first meeting most physicians, who have studied 
human nature at all, form an opinion of the woman's 
character and moral stability. A certain percentage of 
them seem to have the impression that any woman can 
be broken down under masculine influence. It is human 
nature to desire to test and prove our abilities as readers 
of human character, and to determine how far our first 
impressions and opinions of others are correct. So it 
is with physicians of the class referred to. After having 
impressions, and forming an opinion of a new nurse's 
character and moral stability, they determine to prove 
these impressions and opinions correct or false. They 
deliberately set out to do this. Thus, we find, in almost 
every instance, a new nurse enters upon her school 
work with this adverse force working against her. 

These physicians, determined in mind to test out their 
impressions and opinions of a woman, mil use any means 
in their power to break down the dignity and reserve 
of a new nurse. They will use foul language, pass em- 
barrassing remarks, be discourteous and unkind, flatter, 
flirt, repeat smutty jokes, expose patients without neces- 
sity ; and, in truth, do almost anything to cause the nurse 
to forget her dignity. Even at the risk of their own 
reputations they will do all this. 

Generally speaking, perhaps, the new nurse starts in 
her work with due self-respect and a proper amount of 
dignity. Very soon, however, we find her meeting 
temptations from various doctors and in various ways. 



DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE 



One physician will endeavor to establish familiarity 
by repeating a smutty story to her. He fails to get her 
interest. In half-an-hour, perhaps, another will try to 
accomplish the same end by passing embarrassing re- 
marks in the presence of patients or other nurses. An- 
other will try by flattery and flirtation to interest her; 
another by using foul language, or by exposing a patient 
without necessity. Perhaps in a single day she will 
have a dozen or more of these temptations to overcome. 

By using self-control she manages to maintain her 
dignity and self-respect, only to run the same gauntlet 
tomorrow. She continues to live above these temptations 
for weeks without once giving any sign of undue famili- 
arity to any of her tempters. However, the same tactics 
are continued by them. 

After what is considered a fair trial, if the nurse still 
continues to maintain her dignity these particular physi- 
cians will attempt to accomplish their end by disregard- 
ing and avoiding her, hoping to gain her interest in this 
manner. They will show all courtesy to, interest in 
and preference for those nurses who have allowed famil- 
iarity; they will exhibit impatience, disregard and lack 
of interest in the dignified, reserved and modest woman. 
They continue in this manner until the young nurse 
begins to see that apparently she is considered a prude 
and a "goody-goody." No young woman enjoys this 
reputation. Soon, therefore, we find the new nurse de- 
bating with herself whether or not, after all, it is not 
better and wiser to be friendly and even familiar with 
these physicians, and to have their good will and interest, 
rather than be reserved and, as a result, be regarded as 
a prude. 



40 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Perhaps through the influence of other nurses, or 
through her own deductions, she comes to the conclusion 
that it is best to be on famihar terms with these doctors. 
She sees other nurses, who lack proper self-respect and 
reserve, installed as apparent favorites among the physi- 
cians. She decides to do as others have done. She 
determines to follow the example set by some of her 
seniors. 

From this time forward she enters into the spirit of 
the smutty jokes, the flirtations, the flatteries and foul 
language; and each day she becomes more coarsened in 
her expression and general character. However, she 
finds that these physicians give her more attention, are 
more friendly and interested in her; therefore, she leads 
herself to believe that she has done the right thing. She 
believes that she has come to be the type of nurse admired 
by the physicians. She continues in this path, each 
day straying farther from her starting place of self- 
respect and modest dignity. 

An illustration of this temptation and its results may 
be of interest to the reader: 

A young woman of twenty-five entered the hospital 
and began her training as a nurse. She was a quiet, in- 
telligent, studious, self-respecting and dignified young 
woman, with a high ideal of the nursing profession. She 
entered with a very noble motive in her soul; namely, 
that of service to humanity. 

As with most nurses, some of the visiting hospital 
physicians at once set out to destroy the dignity and re- 
serve of this young woman and bring her to familiar 
terms with them. Every means available was used, 
but the nurse resented these insults, and clung closer 



DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE 41 

to her self-respect and to her ideal of nursing. The more 
dignified she became the more severe became the attacks 
of her tempters. After many futile efforts on the part 
of the physicians, the nurse herself and her associates 
observed that she was being shunned and disregarded 
by certain of the physicians, to an extent that it became 
most embarrassing to her. It was afterward learned 
that these particular physicians had discussed the sub- 
ject among themselves and had decided to combine 
their individual efforts to break this woman's reserve 
and modesty by the policy of avoiding her ! 

She proceeded in her work, always doing her utmost 
to merit the good will and confidence of these men who so 
deliberately shunned her. She was always pleasant, 
cheerful and friendly toward them; yet her friendliness 
never was reciprocated. 

This condition continued for six months. She saw 
her less dignified and less capable associates receiving 
appreciation and attention from the physicians, and her 
own efforts and attempts overlooked and disregarded. 
This was a constant source of humiliation and sorrow 
to her. Her ideal of nursing began to fade; yet, realiz- 
ing this, she clung to it and fought her battle alone. A 
long and strenuous battle it was — whether to give up 
her ideal and gain the good will of the doctors, or to cling 
to her ideal and continue as an outcast among the nurses. 

At the conclusion of the battle she, like the majority 
of mankind, decided to follow the line of least resistance. 
She decided to yield to the temptation. The battle had 
been too long, too arduous, too strenuous. The odds 
were against her. She lost courage. 

From the moment of this decision she began to travel 



42 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the downward path of life. About as rapidly as possible 
she became familiar with all the doctors who previously 
had shunned and embarrassed her. She entered into 
the spirit of their jokes and listened calmly to their 
stories. She was accepted into their fold, became one 
of the favorites of them, and continued as such until 
the completion of her course. 

By this time it was difficult to recognize our young 
nurse as the studious, womanly woman who entered the 
hospital three years previously. She had become coarse 
in speech and manner, slovenly in her work, unsympathetic 
with her patients, and radiated vulgarity to everyone 
with whom she came in contact. 

Upon entering the field of private nursing she found 
her case calls very few, and those few most undesirable. 
It was seldom she received a select or desirable one. 
She found that the doctors who had been the cause of her 
giving up her ideal and her womanliness during her hos- 
pital course, now had lost respect for her, and regarded 
her as an unwholesome influence to be sent to any of 
their private cases. 

She became disappointed, discouraged and weary of 
the nursing profession. Her high ideal, not only of 
nursing but of womanhood, was shattered. She was 
heart-sick and weary of life. 

And so it is with all nurses who relinquish the ideal 
of their souls for the adulation and outward apprecia- 
tion of the physicians. They may gain temporary ad- 
vantages; but inevitably they will learn, in the end, that 
they alone have been the losers. No person, deep in 
his soul, admires nor has respect for an unwomanly, un- 
dignified, immodest woman. No more has a physician, 



DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE 43 

deep in his soul, admiration or respect for an undigni- 
fied nurse who lacks modesty, poise and stamina, even 
if on the surface he does convey such an impression. The 
nurse seeking a physician's good will through familiarity 
with him at the sacrifice of her own character, will find 
that this has been merely a temptation placed before 
her by the physician to test her moral stamina and the 
stability of her character. As long as she retains her 
dignity she may know that, deep in his soul, her tempter 
respects her, whatever his outward manner may be. 
But the moment she surrenders sufficiently to allow un- 
due familiarities she likewise may know that, however 
great is the seeming approval, she has lost the respect 
of those about her. And too late she will realize this. 

After he finds her lacking in the kind of stability and 
strength necessary to withstand continual temptation, 
the physician will lose confidence in her as a nurse, will 
think of her as unworthy of trust, and will consider her 
as unfit to radiate the kind of influence he desires to 
have surround his patients. She will find herself unable 
to get work. She will realize then that her yielding to 
temptation has brought only disappointment and havoc 
into her own life instead of pleasure and edification. 
She will realize that through yielding to this temptation 
she is traveling the destructive path of life. She will 
know that she merits the low reputation so often held 
of the nursing profession. 

In order to overcome these temptations and gain not 
only the permanent good will but also the respect of 
the physicians, as well as that of all our associates, we 
must first look within ourselves. We must decide for 
ourselves the right path to follow — the Constructive 



44 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Path of Life. For it is only a knowledge of Right which 
can inspire the Moral Courage necessary to overcome 
trying temptations. We then must cultivate the kind 
of Perseverance which will enable us to fight the tempta- 
tion to the end. In other words, we must have the "In- 
telligence to Know, the Courage to Dare, and the Perse- 
verance to Do." 

We must realize that every energy and force put 
forth in personal effort to withstand temptations is sure 
to bring us a reward in some way or other, under the 
great Law of Compensation. No effort ever is lost. 
Somehow, somewhere, sometime we will reap the reward 
of every honest effort. If our efforts do result in appar- 
ent failure we always must bear this in mind and still 
cling to our ideals. This is the only way to live a con- 
structive and successful life. This is the only way to 
realize that contentment and satisfaction which are the 
result of one's knowledge that he has lived and fought 
for his ideals. And it is the only way which leads to 
permanent, constructive results. 

Moreover, every nurse, sooner or later, must come to 
realize that her Personal Responsibility obligates her to 
the Living of a Life, in strict conformity with her own 
highest and best ideals. This is the Law of Nature. 

Perhaps there is a question in the mind of the reader: 
"How is it possible for me to maintain my self-respect 
and ideal of nursing without giving offense to the 
physician?" 

Every nurse must realize that there is a middle ground 
between undue familiarity and that extreme dignity 
which expresses itself in haughtiness or imperiousness. 
It is this middle ground for_^ which she must strive. It 



DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE 45 

is this meridian line she must attain and maintain in 
order to accompHsh the above task. 

There are various expedients for the aceompHshment 
of this end, but from experience the conclusion is reached 
that the following method of dealing with the problem 
accomplishes the largest measure of good : 

A quiet, assiduous application to the work; a dignified, 
self -poised, self -controlled manner; careful, efficient ac- 
complishment of duty; the exempHfication of kindness, 
cheerfulness, courtesy and dignity at all times; a whole- 
some disregard of the effort being made to break her 
dignity and poise. 

Such an attitude of soul consistently maintained, sus- 
tains self-respect and high ideals, and at the same time, 
does not offend. This attitude of soul, persisted in and 
rigidly Hved every day, inevitably would demand the 
respect of the physicians and force them to cease their 
unworthy efforts. It could not do otherwise. 

Inasmuch as there are an almost infinite number of 
difficult and embarrassing situations arising between 
physicians and nurses, it will be impossible to illustrate 
the many phases of this temptation within the limita- 
tions of this volume. However, there are certain definite 
principles which, if practised, will be found a remedy 
for any of the various phases of this particular problem. 

In the first place, it calls for Alertness of Consciousness 
on the part of the nurse to recognize the efforts of a physi- 
cian to destroy her reserve and modesty. It calls for 
Wakefulness to recognize the temptation when it comes. 
It requires of her a determination of the right path to 
follow in order to maintain a proper and legitimate equi- 
librium. In other words, she must have the knowledge 



46 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

ofrightin mind, and the knowledge of how to meet the temp- 
tation. The solution of the problem calls for Moral 
Courage which, in turn, demands the exercise of Willy to 
do the thing she has determined upon. It calls for Self- 
Control to maintain the kind and friendly attitude, and 
to control the resentment, offense or embarrassment 
which undoubtedly is in her soul following such an ex- 
perience. It demands that she maintain the spirit of 
brave Cheerfulness throughout the trial, and fulfil her 
Personal Responsibility by living up to her own highest 
and best ideal of life and living. 

We will find these principles the means of overcoming 
the adverse influence of the class of physicians referred 
to; and, as we travel along the path indicated in this 
book, we will find them to be fundamental principles of 
life. Thus, by meeting and overcoming temptation in 
this manner, we go forward on the constructive path of 
life, maintaining our ideals, attaining new strength to 
conquer future temptations, and in no way offending 
our fellowmen. 

These fundamental principles of life are : 

1. An Alert Mind and a Wakeful Consciousness. 

2. Moral Courage and Will. 

3. Perseverance, 

4. Self-Control. 

5. Tactfulness. 

6. Cheerfulness. 

7. Courtesy. 

8. Personal Responsibility. 

These principles constitute the constructive basis 
upon which we must build our "Temple of Human 
Character.'* They establish the constructive attitude 



DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE 47 

which leads to Soul Growth and Self-Completion — 
the primary purpose of the soul. They reveal the path 
of hfe which leads the individual soul to its final goal. 

May it be that each reader, as she studies these lines, 
shall be given the light to see the truth of these state- 
ments and come to a realization of the fact that these 
are primary and fundamental principles of Nature which 
must be obeyed. 

So be it! 



CHAPTER IV 

Discordant Magnetisms 

One of the common temptations in a nurse's life is the 
result of discordant magnetisms. It is a temptation 
insofar as she allows the repulsion and irritation result- 
ing therefrom to destroy her mental equilibrium. This 
temptation she must learn to control and ultimately 
to master. 

The reader may ask : 

"What is Magnetism? How can it bring about such 
results?" 

An effort will be made, at this point, to explain Magnet- 
ism and its activities as briefly and clearly as possible: 

Every human being is a dynamo of vital energy. 
This vital energy radiates from the center of his being. 
Every individual has an abundance of such vital force 
and energy, which constantly is radiating outward from 
his essential self. This vital force, or energy, is called 
*' Human Magnetism" 

This human magnetism constantly forms an atmos- 
phere about the individual, in which he Hves, moves, 
and has his being. He is never without this environ- 
ment during his waking moments. From the very begin- 
ning of his physical life he is radiating, during his wak- 
ing moments, his own vital force which we designate 
*' Magnetism," 

Note carefully the italicized words in the preceding 

48 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 49 

paragraph. They are of the most vital importance to 
a clear understanding of the subject. For it is only 
during the active, waking moments of his life that the 
human dynamo is engaged in radiating its vital energy, 
or magnetism. During the hours of sleep is the time 
Nature employs in re-storing the human battery with a 
new supply of magnetic energy. During physical sleep 
the physical body is generating within itself, as well as 
absorbing from its environment, vital energy and mag- 
netism sufficient to run the dynamo during its active 
work of the waking hours of each day. 

A right understanding of these facts will enable the 
reader to appreciate the importance of making for each 
patient a constructive, magnetic environment during his 
sleeping moments and hours, as well as during his waking 
life. For, during his sleep he is absorbing the vital mag- 
netism of his environment. If it is destructive his sleep 
gives him no benefits; but, on the other hand, it does 
him added injury. 

It is herein that every nurse, as well as every physician, 
needs a more definite knowledge of the law of human 
magnetism, in order to understand and appreciate the 
opportunities each of them has for giving to the patient 
the element which Nature most needs in her therapeutic 
effort and reconstructive process. 

Human Magnetism is, in one sense, a kind of measure 
of the status of the individual at any given time. It 
represents his physical being, his nervous organism, his 
mental attitude, his muscular body, and his spiritual 
body- for the latter, when normal conditions exist, is 
a distinct harmonic of his physical . 

If the individual is highly developed his magnetism 



50 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

will be refined and high in vibratory activity. If he is 
of the low physical type his magnetism will be corre- 
spondingly coarse and slow in vibratory activity. In 
this way one's magnetism manifests the status of the 
individual at any given time. 

For purposes of illustration, we may liken the indi- 
vidual, human being to the musical scale. From the 
standpoint of magnetism, every human being is a tone 
in the scale of individual life. Each individual radiates 
his own magnetism. There are infinite shades of tone 
in music, and the individual may represent any or aU of 
these shades of tone. Therefore, he may radiate any 
shade of magnetism, from the very coarsest to the most 
refined. Through his personal effort he is able to raise 
or lower the tone of his magnetism, just as it is possible 
to raise his voice from a lower tone to a higher, or vice 
versa, in music. 

A person highly enough developed to be sensitive to 
the effects of magnetism is able, in a very short time, to 
form an opinion of another person without either see- 
ing the person, or hearing him speak. He is conscious 
of the vibratory rating and quality of that individual's 
vital energy, or magnetism. He is able to judge his status 
by his magnetic radiations. But he himself must be 
high in vibratory rating to be able to do this intelligently. 

Now and then you will hear of a person who is able to 
sense the presence of other human beings near him with- 
out seeing, hearing or feeling them. Why is this.? It 
is because his own magnetism comes in contact with that 
of the others. His consciousness is so alert that he gets 
the impression of the contact through either the discord 
or the harmony of the magnetic relation. 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 51 

Frequently we meet persons and, without a word or 
action on their part, we immediately feel a great attrac- 
tion to them, and a sense of quiet, peaceful exaltation in 
their presence. They seem to bring harmony into our 
souls. This is because their magnetic radiations are in 
tune with our own, and therefore in harmony. They 
are, as it were, our magnetic harmonic. 

Why is it that so frequently, from the first moment of 
meeting, we have a definite feeling of repulsion or irrita- 
tion toward certain individuals.? It is because our mag- 
netisms are not in tune, and therefore cause inharmony. 

It is the same in music. We find two tones of the 
scale which, when set in vibratory motion, cause inhar- 
mony and a clashing sensation. We do not enjoy it. 
It often causes irritation in a person who is especially 
sensitive. The same is true in the relations of human 
beings. 

We find two individuals differently tuned, as it were. 
One is the more highly developed. They meet. Their 
magnetisms are already in vibratory motion, and they 
come in contact. They clash and cause discord. Im- 
mediately there is a feeling of irritation and repulsion 
in the more highly tuned individual, because he is more 
sensitive to the inharmony. The consciousness of the 
other is not sufficiently alert to note the discord. He 
cannot understand this irritation and repulsion. Few 
people do. Once the cause is understood, however, it 
is a question of personal effort and self-control to over- 
come it. 

Any individual who has attained a high point in per- 
sonal refinement and spiritual unfoldment, by conform- 
ing his life to the Constructive Principle in Nature, is 



52 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

able to see this radiation of magnetism from other in- 
dividuals. He is able to observe that the radiations are 
of different lengths and different colors, according to the 
individual's state of development. By seeing the mag- 
netic radiations, and understanding their meanings, he 
is able to read the individual's real status. 

This vital energy, like every part of the human or- 
ganism, is, or should be, under the control of the mind of 
each individual. Therefore, by maintaining a right men- 
tal attitude one is able to refine his magnetic radiations. 

When he comes in contact with another person whose 
presence irritates or repulses him he can, by maintaining 
deep in his soul an attitude of kindness, helpfulness, 
friendliness and courtesy, tune himself so as to be in 
harmony with the other person. By keeping his soul in 
this attitude he can elevate himself to a dominant har- 
monic with the radiations of the other magnetism. It is 
inevitable that the one who puts forth the personal effort 
to establish harmony with the other is bound to raise 
himself to a higher spiritual key. By virtue of the per- 
sonal effort alone he is raised. 

Any person who understands the law of magnetic 
radiations is able to bring harmony between his own 
magnetism and that of another individual by maintain- 
ing such an attitude of soul. It depends on the mental 
attitude. With such an attitude of soul in the person 
striving for harmony, it is impossible for the other to 
bring inharmony. For always the constructive effort 
will elevate that person to a magnetic harmonic of the 
other. It is within the possibilities of every individual 
to do this with any other human being. 

Since this magnetic antagonism is so frequently found 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 53 

among healthy, normal people, does it not seem reason- 
able to find it even more often in unhealthy, abnormal 
people ? 

It is not an uncommon event to find a patient deeply 
antagonistic to a nurse, or a physician to a patient, and 
vice versa. It is, in fact, a most common occurrence. 

Without apparent reason, and with no explanation to 
give for it, we find an occasional patient so antagonized 
and repulsed to a certain nurse that the latter's presence 
causes nervous chills and paroxysms. Every time that 
particular nurse is admitted into his environment she 
irritates and repels her patient more than the time pre- 
vious. It acts as a barrier between the patient and 
health. It is all seemingly without reason, and the 
patient generally is blamed for it. 

Very few people — including nurses and doctors — re- 
alize that there is a cause for it, and what this under- 
lying cause is. They have yet to learn that it is in- 
harmonious, magnetic relations and conditions. 

Not understanding the cause, the nurse usually thinks 
it prejudice or mis judgment on the part of the patient. 
Realizing this supposed prejudice or misjudgment, she 
becomes resentful and allows herself to get into an un- 
kind, unfriendly, irritable and critical attitude toward 
her patient, and loses all sympathy with him. She, in 
turn, becomes antagonistic to the patient. This natu- 
rally disturbs her magnetic vibrations and causes still 
greater inharmony between them. 

This is wherein lies the temptation. The nurse has 
the impulse to resent this attitude of the patient, and 
in most cases allows this resentment to manifest itself in 
outward manner. Her Vanity has been offended, and 



54 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



no attempt is made to control the resentment resulting 
therefrom. She allows self-indulgence to have its way. 
She, like most people, looks outside herself for the cause, in- 
stead of turning her attention on herself and seeking 
the cause of the difficulty mthin. She accepts the 
patient's attitude as a stimulant to her own anger and 
allows that anger full sway. Instead of exerting per- 
sonal effort to control herself and thereby establish har- 
monious magnetic relations, she gives way to her im- 
pulses and falls a victim to the temptation. 

Insofar as she does this she causes greater friction 
between herself and her patient and brings a destructive 
condition into her own soul. Nothing is gained, but 
much is lost. 

If such a nurse understood the difference in magnetic, 
vibratory ratings and the results of inharmonious mag- 
netisms, she would have an appreciation of the dif- 
ficulty and a sincere sympathy for the antagonized 
person. Instead of retahating through irritation, un- 
friendliness and unkindness, she would exert all her 
self-control to establish an attitude of soul which would 
bring harmony between them. She would establish, 
deep in her soul, a true feeling of friendliness, kindliness, 
cheerfulness, helpfulness and sympathy; and would ra- 
diate these into her patient's environment and atmos- 
phere. By so doing she would improve the quality and 
increase the potency of her own magnetism, extend its 
radiations and influence, raise her own moral status, 
and so refine her own magnetism as to create a domi- 
nant harmonic between herself and her patient. She 
would be acting as an educator to the patient by teach- 
ing him that such an attitude can be overcome. She 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 55 

would be refining her own essential nature, and would 
become a potent factor for good. She would be gain- 
ing for herself in every way, and at the same time would 
be practising the principle of unselfish service in helping 
the patient. 

The following is an example of discordant magnetism, 
quoted from ^' The Ideal Nurse'* — by Josie Curtiss: 

"I have a friend who once was so sick that her nerves 
would become seriously affected when a person, not an- 
tagonistic in health, would enter the room. Her nurse 
believed this to be merely a mental whim. After my 
friend became blind, the disagreeable person was ad- 
mitted, into her presence. Not hearing the step, and 
without sight, my friend was thrown immediately into 
nervous paroxysms, clearly showing natural magnetic 
antagonisms." 

A personal experience may help to make clear the re- 
sults of discordant magnetism between patient and 
nurse : 

During her third year of hospital training, the author 
— for convenience. Miss D. — was ordered on special 
night-duty with a female patient suffering from septic 
pneumonia. The day-duty nurse was Miss A. — a 
woman whose ideals of nursing had been shattered, and 
whose work, consequently, had become very monoto- 
nous to her. 

After one week on the case. Miss D. became conscious 
of the fact that her patient was making requests of her 
to do a good many things which were, in reality, a part 
of the duties of the day nurse. She wondered, but said 
nothing. She was always very careful to avoid doing 
things which might give Miss A. (the day nurse) reason 



56 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

to feel that she was herself being relieved of her 
responsibilities. 

Mrs. S. — the patient — was a kind, intelligent, thought- 
ful and uncritical woman, by nature, and most apprecia- 
tive of any effort made in her behalf. Miss D. knew 
the attitude of Miss A.'s soul, and the outward mani- 
festations of that attitude. She, therefore, had a pro- 
found sympathy for the patient, and a sincere pity for 
the nurse. 

Mrs. S. was ill for three weeks during which time 
her condition continued its course without a crisis. 
She was gradually becoming more irritable and impa- 
tient, and lacking in consideration for those about her, 
yet always tried not to reveal this in her manner. Miss 
A. was conscious of this also and her manner became 
unkind, unfriendly and unsympathetic. The gulf be- 
tween her and her patient widened as a result. 

One evening Miss D. came on duty to find her patient 
crying, and heard from Miss A. that she was unable 
to discover the reason therefor. After a time, in which 
the patient was given ample opportunity to relieve 
herself, Miss D. inquired the cause of her unhappiness. 
Immediately the patient, as if greatly relieved to do so, 
told her story. 

She told of the repulsion and antagonism she had 
always felt toward Miss A. since her first day on duty 
with her. She told how Miss A.'s presence irritated 
and so aroused her impatience that it absorbed all her 
energy to control the outward manifestation of it. She 
told of the chilling effect of Miss A.'s touch, of the 
grating effect of her voice, and of the exasperating 
effects of her attempts at sympathy. She said she had 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 57 

tried to overcome this, but her efforts consumed all her 
strength and left her without the energy to control her 
outward manner. It was becoming impossible for her to 
control her irritation, and Miss A. was becoming cross, 
unkind, and impatient with her. (In this instance Miss 
A. had yielded to the temptation.) Mrs. S realized that 
this was destructive to her condition, but was too kind- 
hearted and too appreciative of Miss A.'s efforts to ask 
for her discharge. Miss D., not knowing at that time 
the underlying cause, thought it merely dislike on the 
part of Mrs. S. But, knowing Miss A., she could not 
blame the patient. 

The septic condition continued. No crisis symptoms 
were noted, but Mrs. S. became gradually weaker. The 
physicians concluded that the disease would culminate 
by lysis; and, therefore, would take some time. Because 
of the heavy expense it was decided to retain only one 
nurse on the case. The Superintendent ordered Miss A. 
to remain. Miss D. was discharged and told to report 
on general duty the following afternoon. 

The next morning, however, she was called at three, 
to return to her case. On arriving, she found the 
patient's temperature had risen to 106°, and that the 
physicians were expecting her death at almost any mo- 
ment. Miss A. later reported the sudden change, in 
the following manner: 

"The Superintendent told Mrs. S. that I was to be 
on twenty-four-hour duty with her. Immediately the 
patient began to cry. She refused to tell me her reason. 
This continued about half-an-hour when suddenly she 
began to have chills and spasmodic contractions of her 
facial muscles. I employed all possible means known to 



58 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

me to overcome the chills and nervousness, but all my 
efforts were futile. Mrs. S. grew worse. Her tempera- 
ture rose rapidly. Every time I touched her I felt a 
tremor pass over her body." 

Miss A. had notified the physicians, and all efforts 
were made to control the condition, but without results. 
Finally Mrs. S. confided to her physicians the terrible ef- 
fects of the presence of Miss A. and of her own inability 
now to control her condition. She asked that Miss 
A. be removed from her case. This request was over- 
looked, for the physicians thought her irresponsible as 
a result of her extremely high temperature and nervous 
tension. Her condition continued without abating. 
Finally, it was decided to grant her request merely as 
an experiment. 

Miss D. was recalled to the case, but learned nothing 
of the circumstances until later. She received her or- 
ders from the physicians and proceeded to fulfil them. 
While doing so the physicians noted a brighter expres- 
sion on the patient's face and perceived that she was 
becoming quieter. In half-an-hour the chills had ceased 
and Mrs. S. was resting comfortably. The physicians 
remained with her for hours, until confident the imme- 
diate danger was passed. They then left the hospital, 
pleased with the patient's condition, but completely 
dumfounded. 

These men did not understand the effects of clash- 
ing and inharmonious magnetisms. They did not under- 
stand the potent results of this inharmony. Had they 
done so, the patient might have been saved hours of 
suffering and much vitality and energy, every atom of 
which she sorely needed. 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 59 



If Miss A. had known something of the inharmony 
of magnetism, and the destructive possibiHties of its 
results, she would have recognized the symptoms at 
once. Had she desired to fulfil her personal responsi- 
bility, by overcoming temptation, she then might have 
proceeded to establish harmony between herself and her 
patient by radiating from her own soul friendliness, 
kindliness, gentleness, cheerfulness, sympathy and pa- 
tience. By so doing she might have raised herself to 
a dominant, magnetic harmonic of her patient, and 
thus have removed every destructive condition. She 
might also have saved hours of intense suffering and 
possible death. 

Had she known of the process by which every human 
organism absorbs magnetic energy from its environment 
during sleep, she might have done much to assist her 
patient by making a constructive, magnetic atmosphere 
for her during her sleeping moments. 

By so doing she not only might have saved her patient 
suffering and unhappiness, but she might, at the same 
time, have improved her own spiritual status. 

But Miss A. was entirely ignorant on the subject of 
discordant magnetisms. So also were the physicians in 
charge of the case. 

By right use, and by properly directing the radiating 
energies through Will, human magnetism can be made 
a most potent agent for either good or evil. It is the 
responsibility of every individual to make his or her own 
magnetism a potent factor for good. 

The following is an illustration which shows the con- 
structive use of magnetism and its wonderful potencies 
when properly directed: 



60 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

A woman, who had been committed to the insane 
asylum, was granted a parole through the influence of 
Dr. H. This physician was in charge of a private 
sanitarium in which the so-called "natural" methods 
were employed. Desiring to prove the eflBcacy of this 
treatment, he asked for permission to apply his methods 
of treatment to this particular patient. She was ad- 
mitted to his sanitarium in a delirious and wholly irrespon- 
sible condition. 

After her arrival, each day Dr. H. entered the room in 
which the patient was detained, she became furious and 
uncontrollable. She would not allow him to come near 
her, even to make an examination. He tried to over- 
come this repulsion on the part of his patient by bringing 
with him other physicians and patients of the sani- 
tarium. But never was he able to enter her room with- 
out invoking the same destructive hostility in his patient. 
After remaining for some time in the sanitarium she 
became so irrepressible that she would allow no one to 
come near her. Nurses and physicians alike were 
attacked by her whenever they entered her room„ 

Dr. H., knowing something of magnetism and its 
potencies, concluded that this was a case of "clashing 
magnetisms." 

He asked a friend, Dr. E., to visit his patient. He 
knew Dr. E. to be a man of striking personality, strong 
individuality and potent magnetism. He knew him as 
a man of high ideals and lofty spiritual development, 
a man who had a strong sense of personal responsibility, 
and who knew the right use of magnetism. He deter- 
mined that if anyone could establish harmonic, magnetic 
relations with his patient Dr. E. was the man. 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 61 

The day of experiment came. Dr. H. first entered 
the patient's room alone. Immediately she became 
furious and uncontrollable. He remained a few seconds, 
during which time she continued in this condition. He 
left the room and immediately thereafter Dr. E. entered. 

He stood in the center of the room calmly looking at 
the patient. He directed the magnetic rays of his own 
being toward her through his power of Will. Not a 
sound was heard save the mutterings of the woman. 
His soul was in a constructive attitude of kindness, 
helpfulness, friendliness and sympathy, and the determi- 
nation to overcome her repulsion. He was pouring out 
upon her his magnetism charged with all these benefi- 
cent potencies. He remained in the same attitude, 
radiating his quiet, soothing, constructive magnetism 
into her atmosphere, for about two minutes. He then 
extended his hand to her and greeted her. She looked 
up into his face. The wild expression went suddenly 
from her eyes, leaving a soft, friendly, intelligent light 
in them. She extended her hand to him. She became 
calm, and before Dr. E. left her room she had narrated 
to him the cause of her condition. 

He visited her frequently thereafter, taught her the 
underlying cause of her repulsion and instructed her in 
the remedy. Through the efforts of herself and Di. H., 
in a very short time they had established a harmonic, 
magnetic relation. All repulsion and irritation were 
overcome, and the doctor continued his work until the 
case was entirely cured. 

This illustration proves two points : 

1. The potency of vital energy when rightly used. 

2. The possibility of converting discordant magnetism 



62 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

into harmonic relations through personal effort and 
Self-Control. 

The purpose is to establish in the mind of the reader 
that there is an underlying cause for antagonisms and 
repulsions in patients toward individual nurses; that 
this cause is a clashing of inharmonic magnetisms; that 
this antagonism and repulsion arouse the destructive 
impulses of resentment, unkindliness, unfriendliness, 
criticism and irritation in the nurse; and that these 
destructive impulses constitute the one temptation 
connected with discordant magnetisms. 

The great duty of every individual soul is Self-Con- 
trol. This means controlling destructive tendencies, 
emotions and impulses, and transmuting these into im- 
pulses of constructive power and energy through the 
control of the Will. This means that temptation must 
be overcome. It means that every individual must 
accomplish this by himself if he wishes to fulfil his duty. 

In this chapter a temptation has been pointed out. 
It is the duty of each nurse to overcome this temptation 
whenever and wherever she meets it. She is to do this 
by maintaining within her inmost soul a feeling of tol- 
erance, kindness, sympathy, friendship and helpful- 
ness. By consistently maintaining such an attitude she 
overcomes her impulse to resentment and irritation and 
radiates constructive magnetism. Through Self-Con- 
trol and Personal Effort alone she accomplishes this. 
This may not be easy, but what great work is.^^ And is 
not individual character building a truly great work.?^ 
To overcome temptations calls for persistent, personal 
effort and self-control. 

The desire here is to impress upon the reader the po- 



DISCORDANT MAGNETISMS 63 

tency of vital energy rightly used; to help each indi- 
vidual to understand the attitude of soul necessary for her 
to radiate the constructive magnetism; to inspire her 
with a desire to strive to maintain that attitude of soul 
and then rightly to use her magnetism in her efforts to 
help others. 

Realizing that during her sleeping hours a patient is 
absorbing magnetism from her environment, to be 
expended during her waking hours, the nurse should 
understand that it is her own business to furnish the 
highest and most constructive quality of magnetism 
possible to supply this demand. 

Each effort on her part will increase the potency of 
her own magnetism, extend her magnetic radiations and 
influence, raise her own moral status, refine her own 
essential nature and lead her to the goal of self-comple- 
tion. For, Self-Completion is, consciously or uncon- 
sciously, the goal of each and every individual soul. 



CHAPTER V 

Irritability and Impatience 

Perhaps one of the most prevalent temptations of the 
nursing profession is that of Irritability and Impatience. 

This temptation prevails in hospital and private duty- 
alike. Because of its prevalency it shall be the next 
topic under consideration. 

It may be, and it should be, of both interest and help 
to every reader who is interested in the subject at all, to 
know something of these mental disturbances from a 
purely psychological point of view. Let us stop for a 
moment, therefore, to study and analyze these mental 
states from this viewpoint. 

Lexicographers give to these words the following 
meanings : 

Irritability — *' quick excitability to Anger." 

Impatience — "intolerance; one of the lighter forms of 
Anger." 

Thus, we see that Irritability and Impatience are 
phases of Anger, 

Anger is agreed by all psychologists to be one of the 
most destructive psychological disturbances known in 
all Nature. 

Anger very aptly has been designated by one au- 
thority as "Psychological Combustion." 

The effects of Anger on the physical body strongly 
resemble those of fever. Anger accelerates the circula- 

64 



IRRITABILITY AND IMPATIENCE 65 

tion, overheats the blood, delays digestion, destroys 
living cells and tissues, and intensifies nervous activity. 
As fever causes serious illness, and often death, so Anger 
frequently causes intense physical suffering, and often- 
times instant death. 

Anger expresses itself in many forms, phases and 
degrees; but destruction is ever and always the result. 

Rage, fury, hate, wrath and revenge are the extreme 
forms. The psychological effects are intensely destruc- 
tive. Their action is like that of a consuming fire 
destroying a barn of hay. The fire destroys not only the 
outer shell of the structure, but also its contents, the 
hay. So rage, fury, hate, wrath and revenge destroy not 
only the outer shell of the individual organism — the 
physical body — but also its occupants, the spirit and the 
soul. Its action is rapid and intensely destructive. 

Displeasure, indignation, exasperation, detestation, 
annoyance, ill-temper, as well as Irritability and Im- 
patience, are the milder forms of Anger. Their consum- 
ing process is less rapid and violent than the more 
extreme forms, yet as certainly destructive. The psy- 
chological action is slower in accomplishment, but its 
destructive results are just as inevitable. In other 
words, it is a slower form of psychological combustion. 

The motive and intent of the irritated and impatient 
person are to bring destruction to others, but he inevit- 
ably will find that the destruction to himself is far 
greater than that to any other individual. For, "A 
wrong done to another degrades most the wrong-doer." 

This is an established fact of Nature. 

In the temporary physical life this may not always be 
true, if we consider immediate results only; but in the 



66 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

soul realm it is inevitably so under all conditions. Some- 
time, somewhere, under the great, inexorable Law of 
Compensation, every wrong must he righted. Each temp- 
tation of Irritability and Impatience yielded to, pro- 
longs the task of balancing our account with Nature, 
and delays the attainment of our final goal of Self-Com- 
pletion, Self-Satisfaction and SeK-Content. 

Each individual who yields to the temptation of 
Irritability and Impatience thereby erects a barrier be- 
tween himself and his ultimate goal. This is an infinitely 
greater detriment to himself than any he could bring to 
his fellowman. Therefore, he is the loser. Let it be 
remembered that each individual will be held to strict 
account under this same great Law of Compensation. 
If any wrong has been done, the wrong-doer will receive 
a more just punishment from Nature^ in her own good 
time, than is possible for any individual to inflict. There- 
fore, it is a waste of both time and energy to seek an- 
other's destruction through Impatience and Irritability. 

From this short analysis we have learned that Impa- 
tience and Irritability are forms of Anger. We have 
learned that Anger is one of Nature's most destructive 
psychological agencies, and that it is "Psychological 
Combustion." 

Let us now consider the remedy for this destructive 
agent. 

The remedy is Self-Control. 

It is the only tried, tested and proven remedy for the 
psychological cataclysm called Anger. It is the only 
constructive remedy known in Nature. It overcomes 
the cataclysm and acts as a tonic to the soul. Therefore, 
it is constructive in its results. 



IRRITABILITY AND IMPATIENCE 67 

It is just possible the reader may have the impression 
that Self-Control means self-suppression, or self-abase- 
ment. She may, perhaps, think that controlling an 
impulse, emotion, desire or tendency of human nature 
means its entire destruction, or annihilation. This is 
not true. 

Every impulse, emotion, desire, appetite or passion 
of an individual is a legitimate part of his nature. Self- 
Control does not mean the entire destruction or elimina- 
tion of anyone of these, whether it be of the physical, 
spiritual or psychical nature; for this would cripple his 
essential self. Each of these appetites, emotions, im- 
pulses or passions may be indulged until it becomes a 
most destructive factor in his life. On the other hand, 
it may be so under control of the individual's Will that 
in an instant it can be diverted, repressed or converted 
into constructive energies. This is the meaning of Self- 
Control, as herein employed. This is the only power or 
process which can prevent these mental tendencies from 
becoming destructive to the soul, and at the same time 
convert them into constructive factors in the psychic 
development of the individual. 

It is within the power of every individual to become 
master of his appetites, passions, emotions, desires and 
impulses, instead of becoming a slave to them. He is 
able to dominate and control these instead of being 
dominated and controlled by them. Through the 
power of his Will he is able to restrain these impulses, 
passions and appetites within constructive limits and 
never allow them to pass this line into the destructive 
region. This is the meaning of Self-Control. It is the 
primary duty of every individual to do this, to become 



68 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Master of himself through the practice of this principle. 
A high sense of Personal Responsibility will be of help, 
in that it will enable him the more easily to exercise a 
constructive Self -Control. 

Thus, we find that Self-Control is the only remedy for 
Irritation and Impatience. 

Irritability and Impatience are such prevalent temp- 
tations in the life of a nurse that many have come to 
accept them as natural and legitimate. In most cases, 
no effort is made to control them, and in the large 
majority of instances they are not considered tempta- 
tions at all. 

Every nurse must come to realize that these are among 
the most destructive temptations in her life, and that 
failure to control them foreshadows an unsuccessful 
future for her in her professional work, and leads to her 
own defeat and consequent humiliation and unhappiness. 

We find exhibitions of Impatience and Irritability, 
day after day, among the hospital nurses, as well as the 
private-duty nurses. They become impatient and irri- 
table with patients, with visitors, with physicians and 
fellow workers, and occasionally even with themselves. 
They give uncontrolled vent to these forms of Anger. 
In this they disgrace both themselves and the profession. 

For example: A patient, for some reason of his own, 
hesitates to swallow his medicine when it is brought to 
him. He may or may not have a good reason. This is 
unimportant. The fact remains that he keeps the nurse 
waiting. She is pressed for time. Immediately she be- 
comes irritated and impatient with her patient and 
outwardly expresses this by harsh speech or action. 
She hurries the patient, or tries to force him to swallow 



IRRITABILITY AND IMPATIENCE 69 

the medicine immediately. She expresses lack of con- 
trol in her entire manner. She yields to the temptation. 
The penalty is inevitable. 

Either the patient becomes cross and irritable and 
refuses outright to take the medicine, or he takes it 
against his Will and only because forced to do so. In 
either case there is a feeling of unkindness, resentment, 
and lack of respect on his part for the nurse. He broods 
over the incident and becomes unhappy and nervous. 
He becomes disgusted with nurses in particular, and the 
profession in general. His chances of recovery are 
thereby lessened. 

The nurse, on the other hand, fails to fulfil her Per- 
sonal Responsibility by failing to practice Self-Control; 
she loses the confidence of her patient and through this, 
perhaps an opportunity for service; and merits the pa- 
tient's low opinion of her. In both cases there is Psycho- 
logical Combustion. 

The following is another practical illustration: A sur- 
geon enters a ward in a hurried manner and demands a 
nurse to assist him with the dressing of a wound. The 
nurse complies with the demand. Her other work is 
put aside. She produces the dressing-tray as quickly as 
possible and prepares the patient. She is ready for the 
surgeon; but, alas, the surgeon is not there. She waits 
and waits in vain for him. In the meantime her other 
work awaits her attention. She goes in search of the 
surgeon. She finds him, perhaps visiting another pa- 
tient; perhaps discussing a late operation with another 
physician; perhaps discussing the weather with a nurse; 
or, possibly flirting with some nurse — without the least 
evidence of haste. Apparently he now has all eternity 



70 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

in which to dress that wound. The nurse continues to 
wait, perhaps five minutes, possibly half-an-hour. It 
depends upon the mental state of the surgeon. 

When finally he comes to do his work the nurse has 
become irritable and impatient with him. She makes 
no effort to control or to conceal this fact. Her outward 
manner expresses her attitude of soul. If the surgeon 
is of the humorous type he will humiUate her by laughing 
at, or making fun of her. If of the serious, dignified 
type, he will realize her lack of Self-Control, be disgusted 
with her, and lose respect for her. The patient, too, as 
well as her fellow nurses who know of the incident, will 
have less confidence in and respect for her. This is her 
compensation for yielding to the temptation. From 
the standpoint of her own best good, does it pay? No! 
A thousand times. No! 

While most readers will affirm that this sort of thing 
furnishes just cause for irritation and impatience on the 
part of the nurse, at the same time they will have to 
admit that the compensation is not worth the energy 
expended. 

The temptation and impulse were legitimate. They 
might occur with anyone. The nurse, however, through 
lack of Self-Control, allowed them to manifest themselves 
in outward expression and become destructive to both 
herself and her profession. 

If, through her power of Will, she had controlled the 
impulse instantly, it might have been converted into a 
constructive power. For through her personal effort 
to control her destructive emotion she would have gained 
strength to overcome greater temptation; her own self- 
respect; a higher estimate on the part of the physician. 



IRRITABILITY AND IMPATIENCE 71 

patient and fellow workers; and a higher reputation for 
the profession. Are not these worth the effort ? 

It is not expedient here to discuss all the causes of 
this temptation, for there are many. To elucidate and 
illustrate even a small part of them would call for a 
separate volume. Let it suffice, in this connection, to 
state that the temptation may be caused by physicians, 
patients, visitors, fellow nurses, superintendents, maids 
and ourselves. It appears in all forms and degrees. 
Each nurse will meet her own peculiar forms of it and 
will be able to recognize the temptation without further 
illustration. 

If each nurse who reads these pages will keep her mind 
alert and her Consciousness awake she will recognize 
these destructive impulses of Irritability and Impatience, 
from whatever source they may come. If she then will 
realize her Personal Responsibility, and the final goal 
toward which her soul is striving, she will transmute 
these destructive tendencies into constructive energies. 
Through the power of her Will she will exercise Self- 
Control and accomplish this. 

She will come to know that Irritability and Impatience 
are phases of Anger, the most destructive psychological 
activity in Nature. She will know in her own soul that 
this form of destructive activity must be overcome by 
Self-Control; for, Self-Control is the only remedy. 



CHAPTER VI 

Intolerance 

In all ages and in all professions Intolerance has been, 
and is at the present time, one of the great stumbling- 
blocks in the pathway of all humanity. This is true of 
the members of the nursing profession, as well as those 
of all other professions. It is a most destructive charac- 
teristic of human nature, and unworthy of a place in 
the noble work of nursing. It is truly a temptation 
which should be overcome by every member of this 
institution, for both her own benefit and that of the 
profession. 

There is, in the lives of some of us, a tendency toward 
intolerance of any beliefs, opinions, or thoughts which do 
not agree with our own. Consciously or unconsciously, 
what we think, do, or say, is entirely and necessarily 
right. Anyone who disagrees with us is essentially and 
necessarily wrong. This is an inborn tendency of many 
individuals, which obtrudes itself time and again. Per- 
haps, in some instances, the individual reahzes its de- 
structiveness and overcomes it. If not, he continues an 
intolerant individual throughout his lifetime. 

We find this same spirit of Intolerance in children, 
in their work and play. We find it in youth. We find 
it in adults. We find it in old men and women. We 
find it everywhere, in all nations and among all people. 
Throughout all history it has been an instigator of 

72 



INTOLERANCE 73 



sorrow, unhappiness, resentment and failure, in the 
lives of nations as well as those of individuals. 

Every human being is an individual soul. Each indi- 
vidual soul has been created for a definite purpose. 
That purpose is Self-Unfoldment. The ladder to Self- 
Unfoldment is the building of individual character. 
Each soul is searching, consciously or unconsciously, 
for Satisfaction or Content, which is a reward for Self- 
Development. God, or Nature, or the Over-Ruling 
Destiny, or the Great Intelligence — call it what you may 
— has given to each individual certain faculties, capacities 
and powers, as working tools with which to construct 
his ladder of human character. By building it, and 
then ascending it, he fulfils his purpose of Self-Comple- 
tion, and finally receives his reward of Satisfaction and 
Content. Every individual soul is invested with these 
"working tools," but it is not every individual who 
properly uses them. 

Each soul varies, in its essential being, from every 
other soul. Some have greater intelligence to know; 
some have been endowed with a greater amount of 
courage to dare; others possess more perseverance to do. 
All human beings have their own individual merits and 
demerits. Even assuming, however, that all individuals 
are equal in knowledge, will power, perseverance and 
moral status, there is yet something which makes every 
individual soul different from that of any other, or all 
other individual souls, so far as we know. This funda- 
mental, underlying, essential and universal difference 
between individuals is in what we term "Individuality." 
That is to say, each individual soul has been invested by 
its Creator — whether this be God, or Nature, or the 



74 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Great Over-Ruling Intelligence — with something which 
differentiates it from all other entities of its kind. 

For illustration: Each acorn may appear to be exactly 
like every other acorn, and in general pattern it is so; 
but no two acorns are identical in either their form or 
the potencies which they embody. This is proven by 
the fact that no two oaks are the same in form or details. 
The same is true of crystals. While in outward, general 
pattern they may be the same; yet, in their individuahty 
they are essentially different. 

It is this fundamental difference in individuality which 
never can be overcome. It is Nature's individual badge, 
or "brand," which distinguishes the individual from all 
others of its kind. 

Because of this differentiation of individuality each 
soul seeks his own peculiar path and method of procedure 
to reach his final goal and obtain its reward. The 
majority of human beings continue seeking, year after 
year, without definitely and specifically knowing the 
exact object of their search. But whether or not they 
reaUy know it, it is Satisfaction they seek. 

One individual will follow the path of a particular 
religion to satisfy the craving of his soul. Another in- 
dividual will follow a different religion for the same 
purpose. Others will endeavor to find peace or pleasure, 
some in work, some in music, some in art; but ultimately 
each soul is striving for the same goal — Self-Completion 
and Satisfaction — whichever path he may follow. 

Because of this fundamental difference in individu- 
ality no one individual is able to think or act for any 
other individual. His ideals and standards may be 
foreign to those of any other individual in existence. 



INTOLERANCE 75 



For the same reason no individual has any moral right 
to judge the thoughts, actions or motives of any other 
individual. Therefore, no individual has any moral 
right to be intolerant with his fellowmen; for each is 
following his own path, and may be doing so to the best 
of his knowledge and ability. 

Intolerance is a great, prevailing temptation which, 
when yielded to, brings inevitable disappointment and 
failure. 

We find nurses intolerant with patients, with the lat- 
ter 's families, with physicians, with superintendents, 
with fellow nurses, and with inferior help. We find them 
intolerant with the religious ideas, the methods of work, 
the social pleasures, the opinions and beliefs of others, 
insofar as they disagree with their own preconceived 
ideas. This intolerance in their attitude and manner 
obtrudes itself until it becomes an ugly blot upon their 
characters. 

They fail to realize that each of the individuals on 
whom they vent their intolerance is striving for his 
final goal, whichever path he may be following. His 
path may be wrong. If so, when he has followed it 
long enough he will discover his mistake and retrace 
his steps to the right path. By following this wrong 
path it is true that he is losing both time and energy; 
but he is, at the same time, gaining experience and knowl- 
edge which, perhaps, are necessary to that individual 
soul. Instead of being intolerant with such individuals 
the nurse always should realize that they are only grop- 
ing souls, each striving for some definite goal. In the 
right spirit of tolerance, kindness and service, the nurse 
should endeavor to lead these searchers to the right 



76 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NUESING 

path. This is one of the greatest services an individual 
can render to another — that of pointing out to a striv- 
ing soul the straight and narrow path which leads 
to the final goal of Self-Completion and to its reward, 
Satisfaction. 

Intolerance expresses a phase of Vanity. Selfishness 
and Vanity always are closely allied to each other. 
These are two most destructive agents, wherever they 
exist in human character; and they stimulate disrespect 
and contempt in the minds of those with whom the 
selfish and vain are associated. Wherever Intolerance 
is present we find inharmony , lack of confidence, a 
depressing atmosphere, resentment, a sense of suppres- 
sion, unkindness, and frequently underhand dealings. 
These, certainly, are undesirable results. They are, 
however, the inevitable accompaniment of Intolerance. 

A few illustrations may, perhaps, help the reader bet- 
ter to understand this subject of Intolerance: 

Let us assume that a certain nurse is a member of the 
Protestant Church and a firm beUever in its teachings. 
She is called upon to nurse a patient who is an equally 
firm believer in the Catholic religion. The patient is of 
the emotional, religious type. Her religion is the one 
essential thing in her life. The beliefs, opinions and out- 
ward manifestations of this patient annoy the nurse be- 
cause they differ so radically from her own ideas. Perhaps 
she ridicules the patient; or, perhaps, becomes provoked 
with her. At any rate, she is intolerant with the ideals and 
views of her patient. She, like most intolerant people, 
does not practise Self-Control; but, instead, outwardly 
manifests her own attitude of disapproval. 

Her patient soon develops a sense of suppression, not 



INTOLERANCE 77 



daring to speak of her religion lest it may lead to conten- 
tion. This naturally brings unhappiness to her; for, 
most people enjoy speaking of the essential things in 
their lives. Soon the patient begins to feel resentful 
and unkind toward the nurse. The atmosphere be- 
comes depressing; and we find inharmony existing be- 
tween the two who, for the good of both, should be in 
an attitude of sympathy and harmony. The patient 
loses confidence in the nurse, loses respect for her because 
of her narrow-mindedness, and harbors a prejudice and 
hurtful opinion of the nursing profession because of the 
experience. These things cause much discord, and 
retard her recovery. 

If the nurse only could realize that the religion of her 
patient is but an unconscious effort of the soul to find 
peace and satisfaction, she would be more tolerant and, 
perhaps, would be able to render great service to the 
patient as well as to herself and the profession. Through 
Intolerance, however, she brings only unhappiness and 
harm to all concerned. 

The writer has witnessed several instances in which 
nurses, because of religious intolerance, have refused to 
assist priests in administering the last rites of the church 
to dying patients. In every instance the family and 
friends reported the incident. This resulted in harm to 
the profession, as well as a detriment to the individual 
nurse. 

Is there any wonder.'' 

Very frequently we find senior nurses intolerant with 
their juniors because of imperfect methods of work. 
They may be too slow, too slovenly; or they may accom- 
plish their work in a manner different from the methods 



78 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

of their senior nurses. The senior expresses intolerance 
toward the younger nurse by adverse criticism, repri- 
manding harshly, fault-finding, and by demanding that 
the work be done in her way. She does not realize 
that this is merely the individual's own method. She 
makes no effort to teach the younger nurse the better 
method nor the reasons for it. She has no desire to 
help her junior nurse do better work, but simply demands 
that it be done as she directs. In other words, she is 
Intolerant. This naturally arouses resentment in the 
junior nurse, causes her to lose confidence in and respect 
for her senior, brings unhappiness to her and develops 
inharmony between them. The junior nurse becomes 
disgusted wdth senior nurses in general and with this 
one in particular. 

One- of the most frequent temptations of a nurse is 
Intolerance in accepting suggestions from patients, 
nurses, superintendents, physicians, or maids. It is 
usually more predominant when the suggestions come 
from those under her authority. Her Vanity will not 
allow her to accept suggestions, good or bad, from any- 
body; for she, in her own estimation, knows all things 
pertaining to her profession. In various ways she 
demonstrates her intolerance of such suggestions, thereby 
causing humiliation, hurt and suppression. For, seldom 
after one humiliation, will an individual offer another 
suggestion to the one who humihated him; but ever 
thereafter will feel vitally different in her presence. 

If the nurse would accept the suggestion in a cheerful, 
kind and appreciative spirit, she would gain the confi- 
dence of the one offering it, would thereby confer added 
happiness, and would stimulate the individual to give 



INTOLERANCE 79 



more help in future. The patient would have greater 
respect for her, as well as for the profession. In this man- 
ner the nurse might gain valuable knowledge. In truth, 
we often find those whom we consider our inferiors in 
possession of knowledge which we do not possess. Some 
of our most valuable knowledge concerning our work 
may be acquired through suggestions from patients, 
younger nurses, and so-called inferior help. The in- 
tolerant nurse, in her all-wise attitude of soul, causes 
resentment, disrespect, unkindness and unhappiness in 
others, and earns for herself the reputation for narrow- 
mindedness. 

We so frequently find nurses intolerant with patients. 
This is, perhaps, the most deplorable kind of intolerance; 
for, one of the necessary qualities of a good nurse, in 
her relation to patients, is Tolerance in its broadest 
sense. 

Patients, particularly the very ill, become somewhat 
infantile in their natures. They demand as much atten- 
tion, kindness, sympathy and encouragement as children, 
and oftentimes become quite as inconsiderate. They 
become selfish, peevish and irritable. Almost all pa- 
tients, in their severe illness, take on the infantile nature; 
and it calls for the same kind of considerate treatment 
properly to handle these patients, as that necessary in 
the nursing of children. This demands sympathy, 
patience, kindness, gentleness, humility and tolerance. 

Few nurses realize this infantile nature of patients, 
and because of this, treat them as full-grown adults. 
As a result, they give full vent to their intolerance and 
uncharitableness, and thus erect a barrier between them- 
selves and success. 



80 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Nurses often exhibit intolerance in many ways toward 
all persons, regardless of position. Always we find the 
same results — inharmony, unkindness, lack of confidence, 
unhappiness, resentment, disrespect, and a lowered repu- 
tation of the profession. In the Kght of these compen- 
sations let each reader ask herself — ''Does Intolerance 
Payr 

In order to overcome this temptation of Intolerance 
we must bear in mind always the individuality and 
idiosyncrasies of every other living soul, and that each 
is striving to reach his or her final goal by a different 
path. We must bear in mind that through Tolerance 
we may be able to render the greatest possible service 
to others by assisting them along the right path of life. 
We must maintain an attitude of kindness, sympathy, 
helpfulness, gentleness and tolerance for all other indi- 
viduals, and control every tendency to Intolerance. 

We must remember always that Intolerance is a mani- 
festation of Vanity, and that Vanity leads along the 
devolutionary path of life. And therefore, let us re- 
member that Intolerance leads us toward the land of 
Spiritual Darkness and Desolation. 

It is destructive in all its manifestations and degrees, 
and it stands directly in the evolutionary pathway of 
every individual who harbors it. 



CHAPTER VII 

Indolence 

Indolence is a universal temptation. It is a prevail- 
ing fault in all nations, all races, all professions, among 
all classes of people and in all stations of life. We find 
it in youth, in maturity and in old age. We find it 
among servants, laborers, teachers, lawyers, preachers, 
doctors, nurses, and in every line of work, professional 
or unprofessional. 

Wherever it is found Indolence is a bane and an evil; 
but in the nursing profession it plays as much havoc 
and causes as much disaster as in any other field of 
endeavor, if not more. The work of nursing calls for 
an enormous amount of continual sacrifice and arduous 
labor, both intellectual and physical. Wherever suc- 
cessful work is desired Indolence can have no place. 
This is true because success in this field of endeavor 
demands unceasing, untiring, industrious and persistent 
effort. A lack of this continuous, persevering, unceas- 
ing effort means failure. This means great harm to 
the entire work. 

The soul of every individual manifests itself, on the 
earth plane, through a physical body. In this way it 
acquires actual knowledge through the sense channels 
of its physical instrument. When the physical body, 
for any cause, ceases its activities, the soul is unable, 
during such periods, to acquire knowledge obtainable 
6 81 



82 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

through this physical medium. Each individual soul 
requires knowledge of the physical world to be balanced 
properly; therefore, the physical body is a necessary 
instrument to the psychic nature, as well as to psychic 
development. When the life of the physical body is 
cut short, through disease or accident, the soul is de- 
prived of a means to acquire necessary knowledge. 

Thus we see that an individual who puts forth any 
effort to prolong the life and health of a physical body 
performs a great service to the soul which manifests 
through that body. This is, perhaps, the greatest serv- 
ice one individual can render another. This is the 
nurse's field of work. 

There is a Destructive Principle in Nature which is 
the exact antithesis of Nature's Constructive Principle. 
As the latter builds up physical material into definite 
forms, so the former tears down that material and dis- 
integrates those forms. The Constructive Principle, 
when exemplified in life, builds up and maintains a 
healthy, normal, physical body. The Destructive Prin- 
ciple, or process, tears down and destroys the organism, 
causes abnormalities and disintegration and the final 
dissolution of the physical body. 

All disease is the result of the Destructive Principle 
and Process. The destructive process may be set in 
motion by a wrong mental attitude. It may be impelled 
by one individual exercising control over the faculties, 
capacities and powers of another individual — as in Hypno- 
tism. It may be incited by physical causes alone, such 
as wounds, poisons, wrong diet, etc. Whether it be 
stimulated by physical, mental or psychical causes, 
the destructive process, when once set in motion, results 



INDOLENCE 



in disease of some kind. In other words, whatever the 
cause, disease always is the result of the destructive 
process at work in the physical body. 

This primary agent may cause the death of the phys- 
ical organism. It may produce only temporary discom- 
fort. It may also result in permanent injury to the 
physical body and thus temporarily discontinue con- 
structive development of the soul, as well as of the body. 
We nurse the diseased organism to assist Nature in check- 
ing the destructive process, and thus open the field for the 
constructive process to gain the ascendancy and con- 
tinue its course of upbuilding. This may require phys- 
ical or intellectual nursing, or both. 

This, then, is the work of physicians and nurses. 
Their duty is to check the destructive process and assist 
the constructive principle and process to gain the as- 
cendancy and maintain the same. This should be 
done by any and every expedient means. 

Every case of disease involves a battle between the 
Constructive and the Destructive Principles in Nature. 
This battle is fought to gain and maintain ascendancy 
of one or the other of these principles. All means must 
be used by those who engage in the battle against dis- 
ease to make the Constructive Principle the victor. 

In cases of illness the nurse is one of the principal 
factors. It is true, she needs the cooperation and good 
will of the patient, the physician, and all those about 
her. But essentially she is the one who fights the battle. 
She may have to accomplish this with intellectual weap- 
ons, with physical means, or with a combination of 
both. Whatever means are used, she is called upon to 
fight the battle of the individual life which is in her 



84 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

charge; and she must exert every effort, exercise every 
means, and wield every energy to save the life of her 
patient. This calls for an untiring, unending and per- 
sistent work on her part. It requires difficult, strenuous 
and unselfish labor to win the victory of saving an 
individual life. 

In the end, however, the rewards are Hberal and satis- 
factory. Such personal effort and labor are absolutely 
sure to bring their results under the great Law of Com- 
pensation. The service rendered the individual soul 
manifesting through that physical body, whose life and 
health have been prolonged by a nurse's ministrations, 
has been the greatest service, perhaps, which one person 
can render to another. 

Thus we observe that nursing calls for strenuous 
work, both physical and mental. It requires continual 
attention of mind and alertness of Consciousness. It 
demands unceasing and persistent effort. It caUs for 
a deep appreciation of Personal ResponsibiHty and of 
the opportunities for Service. 

In the light of such knowledge we can see very readily 
that Indolence must have no place where successful 
nursing is required. For this reason it should be an 
unknown temptation in the work of nursing; yet, we 
must confess it is a prevalent one. 

Indolence means, according to lexicographers: "In- 
disposition to exertion, arising from a love of ease; 
indisposition to labor." 

But, 'to yield to an indisposition to exertion, arising 
from a love of ease, is only another name for Self-indul- 
gence. Self-indulgence is the antithesis of Self-Control. 
The latter is constructive. The former is destructive. 



INDOLENCE 85 



Indolence, therefore (which is a form of self-indulgence), 
is destructive from a psychological point of view. It 
always results in disintegration and consequent harm. 

Women who enter the nursing profession with unwor- 
thy motives frequently become indolent before they 
have completed their course of training. They become 
indolent in their work, in their studies and lectures, in 
regard to their personal cleanliness, and in their duties 
as educators. They become indifferent to their duties, 
and shirk their personal responsibilities. 

Let us consider, first, those who become indolent in 
their work; and let us note the result of their yielding 
to this temptation. 

The necessary work varies in character in both hospital 
and private nursing. It includes so-called menial work, 
as well as the highest intellectual labor. It calls for de- 
tail and routine work, as well as essential duties. It 
demands mere mechanical, as well as specific, accomplish- 
ment. The detail and seemingly unimportant duties 
frequently are of greatest importance to the welfare of 
the patient. 

A successful nurse must give as much attention and 
effort to the details of her work as to the seemingly 
more important phases of it. An indolent nurse usually 
is tempted to perform only necessary and immediate 
duties and shirk the less important ones. Such nurses 
put forth just enough effort and energy passably to ful- 
fil the immediate and essential responsibilities, and fail 
to exert their Will sufliciently to accomplish any of the 
so-called "minor work." This is left undone. 

Such nurses either do not realize the importance of 
details, or they deliberately put aside such knowledge. 



86 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

They see a piece of detail or routine work to be done, 
but they are "too tired" to do it at the present time, 
and allow it to go undone. It does not seem to them of 
sufficient importance to demand the energy necessary 
to its accomplishment. 

For instance: A physician orders that a medicine be 
given every two hours. He also orders that a glass of 
water be administered every hour. A nurse who is 
disposed to Indolence will fill the second order for three 
or four doses. By that time it becomes too much work. 
She thinks it a physician's whim, and feels indisposed 
to carry out such an unimportant order. She fails to 
administer the water and thereby deliberately yields 
to the temptation of Indolence. Her conscience troubles 
her, but she appeases it by declaring (to herself) 
that the order was a mere detail, and therefore, 
not essential. She continues, however, diligently to 
administer the medicine according to order; for this is 
an essential factor to the patient's welfare, and seems to 
her important. 

In such case, however, the water may have been of 
far greater importance to the recovery of the patient 
than was the medicine. This failure on the part of the 
nurse, due to Indolence, may have resulted seriously 
to the patient, or caused unnecessary suffering. But to 
the nurse it seemingly was a detail only. Hence it was 
overlooked by her. 

Again: A physician may order that a patient's tem- 
perature be recorded every hour during a certain length 
of time. He may anticipate comphcations entirely 
unsuspected by the nurse or patient. 

The nurse takes the temperature four or five times, 



INDOLENCE 87 



finds it normal, and decides that this order is just a 
foolish quirk of the physician to make believe that he 
is doing something for the patient. The nurse believes 
it merely a lot of unnecessary work. She is not inclined 
to do things unless they appear to her to be essential and 
important. Consequently, she discontinues the task 
assigned by the physician, because she is unwilling to 
do seemingly unnecessary work. In other words, she 
yields to the temptation of Indolence. 

In such case the temperature may remain normal and 
no damage result from her negligence. On the other 
hand, the patient may develop a sudden increase of 
temperature without the nurse's knowledge, and great 
harm may result from the lack of timely care and the 
application of the proper remedy. Even death may 
result. 

Whatever the outcome, the nurse has laid the founda- 
tion for great possible harm, by yielding to this preva- 
lent temptation which she should have recognized and 
overcome. 

Just here let it be said that no nurse ever should assume 
the responsibility of discontinuing a detail or ignoring 
a seemingly unessential order given by a physician, 
without first obtaining due authority. For very fre- 
quently these orders are of vital importance to the 
patient's condition. Let no nurse ever assume such 
responsibility, for very often the results are grave. 

Indolence is a temptation. It is true of all temptations 
that one indulgence leads to another, and this to more 
serious ones. If a nurse indulges her indolence in the 
detail work, it will not be long until she finds herseK 
yielding to the same temptation in the important, essen- 



88 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

tial and routine work. When this point is reached the 
patients, the hospitals and the profession all would be 
far better off if she resigned entirely from her field of 
labor. This is true because the work of nursing the sick 
never can be done successfully nor well where Indolence 
is indulged. 

Work, both intellectual and mechanical, is the essential 
part of all nursing; and often it means the most arduous 
labor. The work of the physician is to deliver orders. 
That of the nurse is to fulfil these orders. This neces- 
sitates work on the part of the nurse. It includes the 
administration of medicines, the recording of tempera- 
tures, the application of packs and compresses, the giving 
of nourishments, the bathing of patients, the making of 
beds, and the dressing of wounds, as well as encouraging 
her patients, stimulating their cheerfulness, inspiring 
their faith in recovery, teaching them the meaning of 
health and a constructive attitude of soul, and giving 
them unselfish service in her work. If this work, the 
detail as well as the routine, is neglected, nothing remains 
of nursing. What, then, is the object of employing 
nurses .? 

All the above mentioned work is necessary in behalf 
of patients. Any orders given by the physician are 
necessary, even if they are mere details. If any are 
neglected, as often occurs through Indolence on the part 
of the nurse, the health and welfare of the patient are 
jeopardized and he does not receive the efficient care 
for which he must pay, and to which he is justly and 
rightfully entitled. This reflects badly on the indi\adual 
nurse, on the superintendent who admitted her into the 
profession, on the hospital as an institution, and on the 



INDOLENCE 89 



profession, as such. All this is the result of Indolence 
on the part of the nurse. 

On the other hand, nurses who have yielded to the 
temptation of Indolence during their course of training, 
will find themselves ignored and avoided in the field 
of private nursing. No patient will recommend or recall 
a nurse who radiates an atmosphere of Indolence. Sel- 
dom, too, will a superintendent do this. A physician 
will shun a nurse who yields to the temptation of Indo- 
lence, whenever he knows that fact. He will hesitate 
to trust the life of a patient to her ineflScient care. 
Therefore, an indolent nurse inevitably, sooner or later, 
finds herself a failure in her chosen field of work. 

The compensations are always harsh and undesirable. 

Such nurses as yield to the temptation of Indolence 
in their studies and lectures, fail to learn the theoretical 
part of nursing which should enable them to accomplish 
a higher grade of practical work. Mere mechanical work 
alone is unsatisfactory and undesirable. A successful 
nurse must have an intelligent idea of the reasons for 
her work, and the correct methods of performing her 
duties. This knowledge is acquired only through study 
and lectures. If she fails to grasp such knowledge she 
is capable of performing only one-half the work of a real 
nurse. She thereby disqualifies herself and becomes a 
real embarrassment in the profession. Her lack of defi- 
nite, theoretical knowledge, in addition to her practical 
knowledge, renders her unreliable and untrustworthy. 
It makes of her an ordinary incompetent. 

This again plays havoc with the reputation of the 
nurse, as well as that of the superintendent, the institu- 
tion and the profession. The hospital is the place where 



90 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



patients expect, and are entitled to receive, intelligent 
and efficient care. If it is not received in the institutions 
where these should be taught, where, then, can patients 
secure such efficiency and intelligence in their illness? 
When this care is not received the members of the pro- 
fession, the profession itself, and the hospital suffer as a 
result of the disappointment of the patients. 

In the private field the physician expects a high grade 
of work from every nurse. A nurse has had three years 
of training before she graduates. A physician, therefore, 
has a right to assume that she possesses the intelligence 
and the knowledge necessary to perform her various 
duties. Those who have heen indolent in obtaining 
and rightly using such knowledge soon find that they 
are not needed in that field of work; for physicians will 
demand such nurses only as can and will give the efficient 
care demanded of them. Patients soon discover the 
lack of intelligent work, and they call for such nurses 
only as can and will perform it. Consequently, those 
nurses who have yielded to Indolence in their studies 
find it difficult to secure enployment when they enter 
the field of private nursing. 

We all know how undesirable and repulsive are those 
who are slovenly, unclean and untidy in personal ap- 
pearance. Even healthy, normal people suffer from 
contact with them. How much more intense, then, 
must be the suffering of the sick who cannot get away 
from such conditions in a nurse! 

In the struggle for life and health every means must be 
employed to keep patients cheerful, calm and unruffled. 
Every effort must be made to introduce only quieting, 
soothing influences into the sick-room. A slovenly. 



INDOLENCE 91 



untidy, unclean nurse arouses to instant resentment 
the sesthetic nature of sensitive patients, and causes 
" nerves." We frequently find that such a nurse will even 
send a highly sensitive and aesthetic patient into nervous 
paroxysms. Such a nurse, therefore, is a disturbing 
element in the sick-room and is undesirable in the 
presence of sick people. 

Patients lose respect for nurses who are indolent in 
caring properly for their own persons and appearances. 
Lack of respect results in lack of confidence. Patients 
soon lose confidence in such nurses. On the other hand, 
they hold great respect for those who are tidy, neat and 
clean. Respect invites confidence. Confidence is a 
requisite in the ideal relation between patient and nurse. 
Therefore, all means should be employed to stimulate the 
confidence of the patient. Neatness, tidiness and clean- 
liness are among these means. This does not indicate 
that nurses must necessarily devote a large amount of 
time to their outward appearance. It does mean, 
however, that as much time must be spent as may be 
necessary to keep themselves clean and tidy, wholesome 
and inviting. 

Indolence in the matter of personal cleanliness and 
tidiness is inexcusable in anyone, least of all in a nurse. 
These are such important considerations in the life of a 
successful and desirable nurse, and are so necessary in 
the work of nursing, that continuous attention must be 
given to them. Lack of such attention is inexcusable 
and a disgrace. Nurses who are indolent with reference to 
their personal appearance and their personal cleanliness 
are a degradation to themselves, to the hospital in w^hich 
they train, and most of all, to their chosen profession. 



92 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

They are unfit to be classed as helpers of the sick, or of 
those who need; for they stimulate destructive impulses 
in their patients; and such factors are not conducive to 
recovery, nor to good health. 

As such, Indolence is undesirable, disgraceful and 
degrading in the hospitals. So it is in the field of private 
nursing. Nurses who yield to this temptation sooner 
or later find themselves unsought and unwelcome in 
the work and in the profession. 

Again we find undesirable results from Indolence. 

Remember, dear Friends, "Cleanliness is next to 
godliness." 

A student and his teacher were discussing the subject 
of cleanliness. The student was sorely in need of advice 
on the subject. The teacher repeated the quotation — 
"Cleanliness is next to godliness" — and then added: 
"If you can*t be godly, it is your business to get next/* 
And so, be it said to the fellow nurses, let us all "get 
next" whether we become godly or not. 

Every nurse should be made to realize her responsi- 
bility as an educator in the field of her work, and she then 
should strive to fulfil that responsibility. She should 
realize that a part of her duty is to assist in the 
cure of patients, and the other part is to teach them 
how to remain cured. She must educate the sick along 
such lines as will enable them to have an intelligent 
idea of health and of the conditions of life which 
underlie it. She must teach them the potential value of 
the mental attitude in its relation to disease. She must 
inculcate the doctrine of Cleanliness. She must instruct 
in the subject of diet, exercise, prophylaxis, and a 
constructive attitude of soul. She must stimulate the 



INDOLENCE 93 



patient's interests in physical, mental, moral and psychi- 
cal development. She must inspire faith and confidence 
in the soul of the sick. And above all, she must 
exemplify all these teachings in her own life, that she may 
be a living example to her patients. For, example is 
one of the most potent agents. It is the most powerful 
sermon anyone can teach. 

A nurse should manifest a deep, unselfish interest in 
each individual patient. She should study her patients 
as individuals, their idiosyncrasies, their tendencies, 
their mannerisms, their faults, their virtues and their in- 
dividual needs. She should study the best method of 
serving them. She should bear in mind that every 
patient is an individual who differs from every other. 
She should radiate friendliness and individual interest 
among all her patients. In maintaining such an attitude 
and fulfilling her responsibilities she acts as an educator 
to all her patients, and through these, to their families 
and friends. 

This educational responsibility calls for a continuous 
and unfaltering effort and labor. It is an essential 
part of a nurse's work. Its neglect, therefore, causes 
imperfect accomplishment of the necessary and impor- 
tant work. Nurses generally overlook this phase of 
nursing. Very often they do not appreciate it as a part 
of their duty; and, if they do, usually it is ignored, as 
such. Indolent nurses, especially, fail in this responsi- 
bility. It demands too much energy and, therefore, is 
ignored. Thus, one-half of their work is overlooked. 
They simply perform the necessary mechanical labor; 
and they make no attempt to educate their patients, 
or to exhibit any definite, unselfish effort in their behalf. 



94 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Very often patients need help along these lines, as a 
treatment, far more than the regular, conventional work. 
Seldom do they receive it. 

Nurses who, through indolence, deliberately shirk 
this responsibility of educational work are undesirable 
in the field of nursing; for they accomplish nothing in 
the way of elevating the standard of the profession. 
They are a credit neither to themselves, to the hospital, 
nor to the superintendent who admitted them. 

There is one other form of Indolence which is worthy 
of mention in this chapter. As a rule, after women 
enter the nursing profession the work becomes so strenu- 
ous physically that many of them become mentally 
indolent in acquiring and storing up general knowledge. 
They drift along and yield to this temptation because 
they have not the necessary amount of intelligence, 
courage and perseverance to impel them to exert extra 
energy in study. Because they do not realize, or because 
they overlook, the necessity for acquiring knowledge at all 
times, and because they are physically weary, they feel that 
it takes too much energy to study or read; and they drift 
along without exerting any mental energy in definite lines 
of study. They gradually but surely establish the habit of 
mental indolence. Such as these do an injustice not only 
to themselves but to their patients hkewise. For every 
bit of knowledge gained renders them more efficient in 
serving and caring for the sick. 

We find that Indolence among nurses results in failure 
to them as indi\'iduals, in discredit to the superintendent, 
disgrace to the hospital, disappointment to the patient, 
and degradation to the profession. 

Its compensations are everywhere undesirable. It is 



INDOLENCE 95 



a powerfully destructive influence in the field of nursing. 

In order to overcome the tendency to Indolence the 
individual nurse must keep her mind alert and her Con- 
sciousness awake, that she instantly may be aware of the 
temptation. Through an effort of her Will she then 
must exercise Self-Control and immediately perform 
the duty which she is tempted to shirk. She must keep 
in mind constantly her responsibility to herself, to her 
patients, to her superintendent and to the profession. 
She must realize always the Law of Unselfish Service 
and its compensations. She then must fulfil the de- 
mands of this Law. 

By so doing, each nurse can and will control the almost 
universal temptation to Indolence and convert it into a 
strong factor in the development of her own individual 
character. She will also make of herself a radiating 
center of constructive influence in the sick-room, among 
her fellows, and among all with whom she comes in 
contact. 

Does it pay? 



CHAPTER VIII 

Procrastination 

Procrastination may be, and often is, considered a 
form of Indolence. While this is true, to a certain ex- 
tent, yet there is a difference between the two character- 
istics which separates them into distinct temptations. 

Procrastination is more subtle and clever in its work- 
ing. It so disguises itself as to become unrecognizable 
as a temptation to those who are not alert and conscious 
of it. For that reason it seems wise to discuss this 
subject in a chapter separate from that of Indolence, 
that the reader may learn the distinction and the subtlety 
of it as a temptation in her work. 

In the foregoing chapter we found that Indolence 
means: "Indisposition to labor, due to love of ease; 
habitually lazy," etc. This implies that a duty deliber- 
ately is shirked, evaded or avoided entirely, and thus 
usually is left undone. It is a deliberate and intentional 
neglect. 

Procrastination means: "To put off until a future time; 
to postpone and defer until later." This implies that 
in the end the postponed duty is performed. Further- 
more, it implies that the individual recognizes his re- 
sponsibility and intends to discharge it at some later time. 
It implies that the duty is pushed along, so to speak, 
to be performed at a "more convenient season." This 
is not a deliberate and intentional neglect, but merely a 
postponement. 

From this brief analysis we observe that the motive 

96 



PROCRASTINATION 97 

and intent constitute the basic difference between Indo- 
lence and Procrastination. 

Indolence is failure to appreciate the meaning and the 
importance of Personal Responsibility. 

Procrastination is failure to appreciate the meaning 
and the value of time. 

However, the physical result, conscious or unconscious, 
is the same, namely, neglect. 

An individual may be a procrastinator without being 
indolent. He may be indolent and not procrastinate, 
or he may be both a procrastinator and an indolent 
person. In order to define the two terms and differenti- 
ate between them, the underlying motive and intent 
always must be considered. 

We are all, at times, impelled to shirk responsibility 
because it seems unnecessary, or because we are "too 
tired." The thing which impels us is the motive. We 
evade the duty with the deliberate purpose in mind of 
doing so. This is our intent. When we avoid a duty 
with such motive and intent, it is because of Indolence. 

Again : Frequently we know we have a duty to perform 
at a certain time. We intend to do it at that time. 
Before it is done, however, some other duty, or perhaps 
pleasure, presents itself, which is less diflScult and more 
enjoyable. We say to ourselves: "This will take but a 
short time, and will not interfere with the other duty. 
Therefore, I will do it first and the other later." As 
a result, the duty is postponed until a future time, with 
full intention to perform it then. In this case the intent 
is good. The motive is not to shirk entirely, but merely 
to defer. Neglect of duty with such a motive and intent 
is Procrastination, 
7 



98 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

This temptation, if indulged, leads to the same un- 
fortunate results as does that of Indolence, but in a 
slower and less marked degree, perhaps. Nevertheless, 
the results are undesirable and destructive. 

In the nursing profession frequently we find procras- 
tinators. So many duties demand attention simultane- 
ously, and so many unlooked-for responsibilities often 
arise, that unconsciously a nurse is liable to fall a victim 
to the unfortunate habit of procrastination. She begins 
by putting off one duty, without thinking anything of 
it. She repeats this process. Before very long she 
does it unconsciously and unintentionally. She allows 
herself to be diverted from the path of her established 
responsibilities. 

Some time her consciousness will awaken enough to 
realize that a duty has been neglected, perhaps for an 
hour, possibly tw^o hours, or even half-a-day; sometimes 
longer. This kind of neglect, in course of time, as surely 
leads to humiliation and degradation to the individual, 
to the hospital and to the profession, as does neglect 
resulting from Indolence. Eventually it is destructive, 
for the results do not reveal the motive and intent which 
prompted the neglect, and judgment is passed on the 
results, and not on the motive and intent. 

Let me illustrate: A nurse is in the midst of recording 
temperatures. She has a medicine to be administered 
every hour. A dose is due while she is taking tempera- 
tures. Half consciously she decides to complete just 
one temperature before undertaking to fulfil the other 
order. When the necessary recording is completed, 
she thinks: "Well, it will take only two minutes to take 



PROCRASTINATION 99 

another temperature; then there will be but five more. 
So, I'll just do this first and then give the medicine." 

She proceeds to carry out this program. During the 
process the tempter. Procrastination, whispers in her 
ear: "Now, you have but &ve more temperatures to take 
and your responsibility in that line will be discharged. 
Why not finish and do the other task later?'* She 
listens to the tempter, and continues on her work of 
recording temperatures. 

When the temperatures of her patients all have been 
taken and recorded, the thermometer is replaced and she 
proceeds to give the dose of medicine. She discovers, 
to her surprise and horror, that it is half-an-hour over- 
due. This causes the regular hour of administration 
to be changed. And this results in a loss to the patient 
of two doses of medicine in 24 hours — if not more — due 
to her procrastination. 

We know that one of the chief potencies of medicine 
results from the regularity of its dosage. It is evident 
that the patient, whose medicine has been neglected 
because the nurse yielded to Procrastination, does not 
receive full benefit of the treatment. This may, or may 
not, result seriously, according to the condition of the 
patient and the importance and potency of the medicine. 

This neglect has resulted from indulgence to Procras- 
tination; for her intent was to perform the duty, and the 
thing which impelled her was the desire to complete 
the task which pleased her more at the time. 

Whatever the direct result, the indirect effect on the 
reputation and character of the nurse is undesirable 
and unfortunate. The patient, if conscious, soon re- 
alizes the neglect of the nurse, and frequently reports 



100 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the same to the superintendent, or more often to the 
physician. This does not add to the desirability of 
the nurse, nor to her efficiency. Those who learn of 
her failure in duty cannot ignore her unreliability. 
They will hesitate to entrust higher responsibilities to 
her. This erects a barrier between the nurse and her 
success; for all success carries with it an invitation to 
greater responsibilities. 

In this case the nurse has been unfair— 

1. To the patient, in that she has jeopardized his 
recovery. 

2. To the physician, in that she has not followed his 
orders. 

3. To the physician's reputation, in that her neglect 
may result in his failure. 

4. To the remedy itself, in that it has not had a fair 
chance. 

5. To the hospital, in that its reputation also may be 
affected harmfully. 

6. To the superintendent, in that she has reflected 
unfavorably upon her competency as an official. 

7. To the profession, in that she has given justification 
for criticism against all the members thereof. 

Another illustration: The hnen covering a patient's 
bed is soiled and needs to be changed. This is unpleas- 
ant work. The nurse has many other more pleasant 
duties to perform. She therefore decides to postpone 
this one until a little later. She goes about her work 
busily engaged with other responsibihties. She does 
not intend to shirk the first duty, but simply to put it 
off until a future time. The result is due to Procrastina- 



PROCRASTINATION 101 

tion instead of to Indolence. However, the result is 
the same, and as surely unfortunate. 

The nurse continues to perform other duties until 
the hour set for visiting physicians to make their calls. 
She then becomes engaged in assisting them and is unable 
to perform the neglected duty. The physician comes to 
attent the patient in the soiled bed, or to make an 
examination. Immediately he observes the soiled linen. 
He realizes that here is a case of shirking, or neglect. 
He forms a low opinion of the neglectful nurse. In his 
own mind he accuses her of Indolence. He is unable 
to judge the motive and intent back of the neglect, and, 
like most individuals, makes no effort to understand the 
cause. He sees only the results. He passes judgment 
accordingly. Perhaps the matter is reported to the 
authorities. Possibly only his lowered opinion is the 
result. In any event, however, the final effect is un- 
desirable and unfortunate. The nurse has lowered her- 
self in the opinion of the physician. 

Possibly the patient also may have noticed the neglect. 
If so, this stimulates disrespect in his mental attitude, 
and gives ground for a lower estimate of the individual, 
the hospital and the profession. This, in turn, sets in 
motion destructive mental tendencies and, to that 
extent, erects a barrier against his own recovery. 

These are the results of an unintentional neglect 
through Procrastination. The nurse had no intention 
of evading her responsibility through Indolence, yet the 
failure to discharge her duty resulted in the same 
unfortunate conditions. Thus, we see that the final 
results of Procrastination are identical with those of In- 
dolence, so far as they go. Inevitably such Procrasti- 



102 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

nation causes discredit, disgrace and humiliation to the 
individual nurse, to the superintendent, to the hospital 
and, in the end, to the profession. And nothing is 
gained by those who yield to this temptation; but, on 
the contrary, much is lost. 

The individual nurse who has a tendency to Procrasti- 
nate must learn the value of time. She must learn that 
every duty has its own time and must be performed at 
that 'particular time, if she conscientiously discharges 
her responsibiHty. She must force herself to keep alert, 
that she may realize any tendency to procrastinate 
when it presents itself; for the realization of a fault is 
half the battle of overcoming it. She then must perform 
her duty on time, and must shut out more pleasant 
diversions which might lead her astray. This calls for 
the exercise of Will and the power of Self-Control. In 
this way, and in this alone, will she overcome the temp- 
tation of Procrastination. 

A question may arise in the mind of the reader as to 
the method to be pursued in the event several duties 
present themselves simultaneously. In such case, the 
first thing is to consider the relative importance of each 
duty, and determine which wiU accomplish the best 
results if done at that particular time. Then it must 
be determined which is next in importance, and so on, 
until a definite sequence has been reached. This is a 
part of every nurse's responsibilities. After a definite 
sequence has been determined upon, then the individual 
should set to work and accomplish her tasks in that order. 
This should be done as rapidly and as conscientiously 
as possible, without allowing more pleasant or less im- 
portant duties to interfere. 



PROCRASTINATION 103 

It is true that one of the greatest problems of life is to 
determine the relative values of things in such manner as 
to direct our energies and efforts along lines which will 
accomplish the largest measure of good. 

The conscientious nurse who is a prey to the habit of 
Procrastination, and desires to overcome it, will find 
the following affirmatives of great help to her, if repeated 
each morning before beginning her work, and during the 
day, with the full determination to observe them in all 
her activities during the day : 

" I will maintain an alert Consciousness and an atten- 
tive mind, that I unconsciously may not commit a sin of 
Procrastination. 

"I will decide the most important duty to be per- 
formed and discharge that responsibility unwaveringly, 
without allowing myself to be diverted by less important 
duties or by pleasure. 

" I will exert strong Will-Power and Self-Control to over- 
come temptations of Procrastination, and thus will avoid 
the inevitable destructive effects resulting therefrom. 

"In this manner I will perform cheerfully my obliga- 
tions to myself, to my fellows, to my superiors and to 
my work." 

If she then will practise this every day to the best of 
her ability, and not permit failures to discourage her, it 
will not be long until the evil habit will be conquered and 
the constructive habit of Punctuality will take its place. 

First Know; then Do. 

This is the path we all must follow if we would over- 
come the temptation of Procrastination and its unfortu- 
nate results. 

Let '^Punctuality'' become your watchword! 



CHAPTER IX 

Emotionalism 

Every emotion of human nature is a legitimate and 
necessary activity of the individual soul. It helps to 
make up individuality. It is right and proper. It is 
part of the individual's inheritance from Nature. 

It is true, however, that every legitimate emotion 
may become destructive if allowed to go uncontrolled. 
Every individual must hold his emotions so under his 
own dominance that they never are allowed to cross the 
legitimate line of constructive power. In other words, 
they must be kept within constructive bounds. They 
must be tempered; and this must be done through the 
power of Self-Control. 

The emotions of the soul include those of fear, anger, 
sympathy, joy, sorrow and all excitations of the mind. 
They are legitimate — when controlled. When culti^^ated 
and uncontrolled they become destructive agents in. the 
soul of the individual. 

Emotionalism is the yielding of the individual to his 
emotions in such manner as to cultivate them. It is a 
form of Self-indulgence. It betrays immaturity in the 
indi^ddual. It implies lack of Self-Control. It is de- 
structive physically, spiritually and psychically, and must 
be overcome by those who desire rightly to build their 
"Temple of Human Character." 

Emotionalism most frequently is found in women. 

104 



EMOTIONALISM 105 

We find that, in nine cases out of every ten, women are 
unduly swayed by their emotions. Final decisions 
usually are arrived at through the influence of the emo- 
tions, rather than through the processes of Reason and 
Conscience. Problems are worked out through the 
emotions, and not by intelligent study. It is because 
of this exaggerated phase of their natures that women 
so universally are spoken of as "the weaker sex." 

It is true that many of our sex are learning the mean- 
ing and the power of Reason and are endeavoring to 
use that power. But it also is true that the majority 
of us still are influenced and swayed too largely by our 
emotions. This is destructive in every sense. There- 
fore, let each of us strive to be temperate in our emotional 
nature and keep it within constructive limits. 

Among nurses we find Emotionalism a frequent temp- 
tation. The general work among all types of people 
is a constant stimulant to this side of a woman's nature; 
and unless we keep ourselves awake and alert we are 
inclined to yield to our impulses, and to allow them full 
and uncontrolled sway. In this manner we cultivate 
them. It calls for strong Will-Power and Self-Con- 
trol to be temperate in our emotions, and often we are 
not inclined so to exert our powers. However, if each 
individual but realized the amount of energy wasted 
each time an emotion is indulged, surely more attention 
would be directed to the control of the emotional nature. 

A sudden and uncontrolled impulse of anger, of weep- 
ing, of sympathy, of affection, or of any other of the emo- 
tions, consumes a surprising and unbelievable amount 
of energy and vitality, as well as of time. Nothing 
is gained by yielding to the impulse. In the work of 



106 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

nursing all the energy, vitality and time of the nurse 
should be devoted to the patients and to self-education. 
Therefore, instead of needlessly wasting these necessary 
energies by yielding to emotionalism we should learn 
to transmute them into constructive lines. 

By so transmuting the time, energy and vitality into 
a constructive use, we overcome the temptation; and, 
at the same time, strengthen our powers of resistance 
to overcome future temptations. 

In the nursing profession events of every description 
arise to excite the various phases of the emotional nature. 
An incident occurs which touches the sympathetic nature 
of the nurse. She has the natural impulse to give sym- 
pathy, and without intelligent control, freely yields to 
the emotion. In a sudden outburst, she pours her sym- 
pathy upon the patient, reheves herself by a torrent of 
weeping, uses up an enormous amount of her vitality, 
and does her patient no good. She allows the emotion 
to become destructive, and thus weakens her power of 
resistance. 

The impulse of sympathy is legitimate and proper; 
but, it should be controlled within constructive limits, 
and the over-expended energy and time devoted to the 
help of the patient. Frequently we find a flood of 
sympathy destructive to the welfare of the patient — 
especially to those who are disposed to Self-Pity. 

Some other incident will arise to stimulate the impulse 
of anger. Another will awaken the emotion of fear; 
and so on, throughout the entire category of the emo- 
tions. In a single day, perhaps, almost every emotion 
of the human soul may be excited at some time. Con- 
sider the amount of wasted vitality if each emotion were 



EMOTIONALISM 107 

allowed to go uncontrolled! It would be enormous. 
Then think of the amount of good which might be ac- 
complished if this time and energy were devoted only 
to constructive work! 

Each nurse must learn to control the emotional side 
of her nature, and thus add to her efficiency in the 
profession. 

An illustration of uncontrolled emotionalism may 
give the reader an idea of the destructive results thereof : 

A nurse is assisting in the operating-room. Suddenly, 
in the midst of the operation, the patient becomes 
cyanotic and ceases to breathe. The condition is re- 
ported, and immediately all attention is turned to the 
restoration of the patient. The nurse becomes panic- 
stricken and paralyzed with fear. She is unable to use 
her intelligence and reason in assisting the ansesthe- 
tizer in his work of resuscitation. She does not think. 
She comprehends only a part of the orders given her, 
and goes about in an aimless, stupefied manner, per- 
forming mechanical work unintelligently. She allows 
herself to become paralyzed by fear, and loses control 
of her reasoning faculties. In other words, she becomes 
unreliable and a hindrance in the work. 

The physician becomes aggravated at her aimlessness, 
thoughtlessness, and inane wanderings. The energy 
expended in his aggravation is wasted, instead of being 
used for the welfare of his patient, as it should be. He 
loses confidence in the ability of the nurse, and has less 
respect for her because of her lack of Self-Control. He 
thinks of her with contempt, and classes her among the 
"weak and unreliable sex.'* 

Through yielding to the emotion of fear the nurse 



108 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

exerted much energy in her wild and aimless wanderings 
about the operating-room. She realized no useful, 
helpful results therefrom. If she had maintained her 
presence of mind and intelligently had fulfilled the 
orders of the physician, she would have been an enormous 
help to him in his efforts, would have commanded his 
respect, and would have discharged her responsibility 
to the helpless patient. But in her riotous emotional- 
ism this opportunity was lost. She proved a failure. 
She weakened her power of resistance and, above all 
things, created a wrong atmosphere about the patient. 
For, even though the physical organism was insensible, 
the spiritual consciousness of the patient was awake 
and alert to all that transpired in the operating-room. 
The consciousness of an individual always is awake 
on either the physical, the spiritual or the psychical 
plane of being. When the physical senses are inactive, 
the consciousness receives impressions through the 
spiritual channels of sense and registers these upon the 
soul just as when received through the physical senses. 
We must bear in mind that, because of this fact, it is 
as important and as necessary to maintain a right atmos- 
phere about a physically unconscious person as it is 
necessary and important in the presence of a physically 
conscious individual. For the consciousness receives 
impressions of its surroundings through the spiritual 
senses in cases of physical unconsciousness. In this way 
as much harm, if not more, might result to the patient as 
if he had been physically awake and conscious of the 
surrounding turmoil. 

An incident comes to mind which illustrates this point: 
A highly sensitive woman once suddenly lapsed into 



EMOTIONALISM 109 

unconsciousness in the presence of several members of 
her family. The latter, unaccustomed to such an occur- 
rence, immediately became terrorized and panic-stricken. 
A physician was called, but for some reason was tardy 
in his arrival. In the meantime, the members of the 
household skurried about the room in a state of rampant 
desperation and fright, creating a perfect turmoil about 
the patient, and transmuting the atmosphere into a 
maelstrom of excitement and confusion. Later the 
physician arrived, cared for the patient, ordered the 
family from the room, quieted the turmoil and estab- 
lished a peaceful, quiet, constructive atmosphere within 
the chamber. 

After her recovery the patient told of every occurrence 
during her lapse of physical consciousness. She repeated 
every incident, spoke of the confused atmosphere, and 
rehearsed the changed condition, following the arrival 
of the physician. Everything was evidently perfectly 
clear in her consciousness. All was stated as definitely 
and with as much detail as if she had been a silent wit- 
ness of the occasion. She portrayed a concise picture 
of the occurrence. 

This is proof that while the physical body is in a state 
of insensibility the consciousness still is awake and alert 
to receive impressions upon a higher plane. The indi- 
vidual is not always able to recall incidents which occur 
during physical unconsciousness; nevertheless, the con- 
sciousness has received and registered these impressions 
upon the soul, and these have had their effect. 

In this case, the emotionalism of the nurse resulted 

1. In weakening her own powers of resistance. 

2. In depleting her own nervous energies. 



no THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

3. In disturbing the equilibrium of the physician and 
thereby causing him to do an injustice to his patient. 

4. In creating a wrong atmosphere about the uncon- 
scious patient, which was equally as destructive as if 
the patient had been conscious. 

These results are unsatisfactory, and add nothing to 
a nurse's efficiency in the work. 

The writer, during her life as a private nurse, lived 
with a fellow nurse of the extremely emotional type. 
She thus had an excellent opportunity for studying this 
type of woman. 

The individual was intellectual and capable and a 
splendid nurse in every way, barring this one fault. 
She was called to a hospital to attend a case of peritoni- 
tis following an appendectomy. The patient suffered 
intensely for three days, during which time the nurse 
attended faithfully to her duty and became deeply 
attached to her patient. 

On the evening of the third day a sudden unforeseen 
change occurred in the condition of the patient. She 
became precariously and dangerously ill. Every ex- 
pedient was employed to save her life, but all treatments 
resulted unfavorably. The family was notified and 
came immediately to the hospital. The scene was piti- 
ful and heart-rending. The sympathies of the nurse 
were aroused to the utmost. She fought against the 
emotion for some time, but finally yielded to the impulse 
to weep. This resulted in a complete break-down; she 
was unable to remain in the sick-room. She excused 
herself, had another nurse relieve her, and retired for a 
time. This act on her part aroused the deeper emotions 



EMOTIONALISM 111 

of those present. It incapacitated the nurse for the 
time being. 

In a crisis everyone about a sick-room turns to the 
nurse for strength, help and comfort. In this case the 
nurse should have been strong and self-controlled, in 
order to render perfect service. Instead, however, she 
was a disappointment to those who sought help through 
her strength. Moreover, she created a wrong atmosphere 
about the dying patient. 

But this was not all! The patient passed to the 
Great Beyond, and the nurse returned home. For a 
week following this sad case she was on the verge of a 
nervous break-down. She had expended so much energy 
through her emotionalism that two entire weeks had to 
be spent in relaxation and rest to restore her normal 
vitality. Whereas, had she controlled that impulse 
most of her energy would have been reserved to be ex- 
pended in some more profitable way. That spell of 
emotionalism made it necessary for her to devote two 
long weeks of her life in replenishing her normal supply 
of vitality which had been unprofitably spent. 

However, one good result followed the experience. 
It taught her a lesson in the conservation of energy; 
and it was, indeed, a vital lesson. 

These results demonstrate the destructiveness of 
yielding to our impulses and emotions. 

Emotionalism is a temptation which must be overcome. 

The only remedy is Self-Control ! 



CHAPTER X 

Gossip 

It is a fact with which most of us are familiar that 
few women are interested in the study of the English 
language. For this reason frequently we find words 
used synonymously which, in reality, differ widely in 
their true meanings. Gossip and News are words 
which, time and again, are confused. Yet, in generic 
meaning, there is a definite distinction between them 
which must be considered if the subject of this chapter 
is to be understood. For this reason it is hoped that a 
brief analysis will not be considered an imposition. 

News means information concerning persons or things 
disseminated for constructive purposes. That is, any 
information as to persons or things which is circulated 
for the purpose of good to somebody, or of conveying 
information which may be of value to the recipient. In 
other words, disseminated information becomes news 
when the motive which inspires it is constructive and 
beneficent. 

Gossip is real or assumed information concerning 
persons or things, disseminated either for destructive 
purposes, or regardless of consequences. 

News is constructive. Gossip is destructive. This 
is the generic distinction to be observed in the meanings 
of these two words. 

112 



GOSSIP 113 



An example may help to make clearer this difference: 

A woman is in possession of a piece of information 
concerning a neighbor. She knows, or believes, that if 
this information were imparted to a certain relative of 
this neighbor, great good might be accomplished thereby. 
She repeats this information to the relative in question 
with this constructive motive in mind. Thereby she 
gives out a bit of news. 

On the other hand, if she knows, or believes, that the 
dissemination of the information will result in harm to 
her neighbor, to the recipient, or to any other individual, 
and in the face of this fact deliberately passes it on, then 
she lowers herself to the level of the common gossip. 
The motive is destructive; therefore, the information 
becomes simple gossip. 

This would be equally true if the information were 
given out regardless of consequences — even though the 
conscious motive may not have been destructive. 

Gossip is the real or assumed information concerning 
persons, disseminated for destructive purposes, or regard- 
less of consequences. It is important that this specific 
definition of the term be understood at this point, for 
it is the sense in which the term will be used hereinafter. 

Gossip is a temptation common to all womankind in 
every rank and station in life. It is a habit cultivated, 
as are all habits, by continued indulgence in the one 
line. Often it is acquired unconsciously because of the 
individual's failure to discriminate between news and 
gossip. In other cases it is indulged deliberately be- 
cause of temporary gratification resulting therefrom. 
In either case it is something unworthy of any woman 
who respects herself and desires the respect and con- 



114 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

fidence of her fellows; for it betrays untr us t worthiness 
and disloyalty, and therefore, is destructive. 

Trustworthiness and loyalty are two important req- 
uisites of character in the ideal and successful nurse. 
Without these qualities she never can inspire confidence 
and faith in her patients. If she fails in this she loses a 
great opportunity for service and for rendering help to 
those under her care. An individual can render true 
ser\dce to another only insofar as he gains the confidence 
of that other. This is true in the field of nursing. The 
greatest and most permanent service can be rendered 
only after the nurse has won the confidence of her pa- 
tient and thereby learns his or her individual needs. 

Gossip is an enemy to confidence. Any nurse who 
indulges this unworthy habit never needs expect to win 
and hold the true and deep confidence of her patients 
and fellow nurses. For, sooner or later, her failure 
will be discovered and her associates will know her to be 
unreliable and unworthy of trust. Because of this, 
every nurse who truly desires to accomplish noble, un- 
selfish work should be inspired to enter the school of 
self-discipHne and study to eliminate the habit of gossip 
from her character. 

In the world of our profession we find that nurses 
gossip among themselves concerning the personal affairs 
of patients, of physicians, of superintendents, and also 
of their fellow workers. It is not uncommon to find 
them gossiping along these same lines with people entirely 
outside the profession. In a majority of cases such in- 
formation is disseminated and discussed regardless of 
consequences, but without a deliberately destructive 
motive. Nevertheless, these nurses indulge in gossip 



GOSSIP 115 



which is a disgrace to them and is destructive in every 
sense. 

It is not infrequent, in hospital hfe, that a nurse un- 
consciously causes trouble because she repeats a con- 
fidence given her by a patient. She conveys the infor- 
mation to some friend "in sworn confidence." This 
friend repeats it to another friend "in confidence;" 
and so on the information travels, from friend to friend, 
until the original "confidence" comes back to its author 
clothed in different garments, as it were. She hardly 
recognizes the story as the one she told. But this gossip, 
in some manner, finds its way back to the patient, and 
the entire blame is placed upon the nurse. The patient 
becomes resentful and causes trouble for the nurse who 
so unconsciously brought about the difficulty. Such 
gossip usually results in disgrace to its author and some- 
times leads to her dismissal from the hospital. This is the 
result of thoughtless gossip, regardless of consequence. 

It is a fact which no one truthfully can deny, that 
many members of our profession appear to be natural 
gossips. This is a fact deeply to be regretted. Ex- 
perience alone should teach us never to indulge in gossip 
even with those we believe to be our friends; because 
the temptations to gossip are very strong, even among 
those who believe themselves trustworthy. 

If a patient pays you the compliment of confiding 
to you some personal information, bear in mind that 
this has been done because that person has faith in you 
and trusts you. Guard that confidence as a sacred 
trust and repeat it to no one, unless you conscientiously 
and honestly believe some real good may be accomplished 
by the telUng — but never in violation of a confidence. 



116 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Each nurse who is honored with the confidence of a 
patient should appreciate that confidence as a beautiful 
compliment, and should guard it with her honor and 
loyalty. 

For instance: If a patient confides to a nurse informa- 
tion which pertains to her physical or mental condition, 
and the nurse believes that this knowledge would be of 
value to the physician in charge of the case, she should 
use every endeavor to induce the patient to confide in 
the physician. But if she fails in this then it becomes 
her responsibility to convey the information to the 
physician in the most direct manner possible. If she 
is in training she must do this through her head nurse 
or her superintendent. If she herself is in charge of the 
case, then she must tell the physician directly. Under 
no circumstances, however, should the information be 
given to any other individual; for in such case a con- 
fidence is broken and the information becomes gossip. 

Some nurses, like some women, are human sieves. 
Every piece of information which they possess immedi- 
ately rattles through them to some friend, regardless 
of consequences. Ere long, however, such nurses find 
that their patients avoid all personal confidences and 
topics with them, and they see themselves lose the 
favor and respect of their own more conscientious 
associates. 

There is a streak of vanity in mankind which causes 
both men and women to derive much apparent gratifica- 
tion from betraying to their friends and acquaintances 
confidences which have been reposed in them by those 
who trust them. This, however, is so unworthy of a 
noble woman who is interested in giving real service to 



GOSSIP 117 



humanity that it should be overcome by all who follow 
the nursing profession. This vanity must not be allowed 
to lead into the path of gossip, for misfortune will follow 
as surely as the night follows the day. 

The results of gossip are many and unfortunate. 
Sooner or later, they bring about the patient's loss of 
confidence in, and respect for, her nurse, as well as de- 
stroy the faith of others in her. Gossip betrays dis- 
loyalty. It causes injury to others. It inspires resent- 
ment and other phases of anger in those whom it betrays. 
It is destructive to them as well as to the one who in- 
spires these destructive impulses. It invites criticism 
and retaliation. It results in waste of time which 
otherwise might be used constructively. And finally, 
it becomes a quality of character which discourages 
confidence. This is undesirable because the ability to 
establish confidence in the mind of her patient is one of 
the essentials to the success of every nurse. 

With these results in mind, it is easy to see that Gossip 
is not worth while. In other words, it does not pay! 

It is hoped that every nurse who follows the subject 
to this point will come to appreciate the depth and mean- 
ing of a confidence, as well as the responsibilities which 
accompany it. For every confidence carries with it the 
definite responsibility to hold it as such, and never 
to divulge it unless some definite and specific good is to 
be accomplished thereby. 

Let us bear in mind that every confidence held as a 
sacred trust will inspire greater confidence and deeper 
respect among all with whom we come in contact; and 
that this will open to us a greater field for unselfish service. 
We owe it to ourselves, as well as to others, to discourage 



118 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

gossip among our fellow nurses by ourselves adhering 
strictly to a determination not to indulge in this 
degrading and destructive temptation, nor yield to its in- 
fluence. And let us remember always that this calls for 
the highest kind of loyalty to our school, to our fellow 
men, and to ourselves; for, no individual ever can be a 
gossip and at the same time exemplify loyalty. 



CHAPTER XI 

Dishonesty 

Dishonesty, in any and all its phases, is a conscious 
and intentional evasion or violation of the truth. The 
truth of a thing first must be determined upon, so far 
as may be possible, by the individual himself. He 
must measure it by his own standard. Indeed, this is 
the only standard by which he can measure it. It then 
rests with him to exemplify, or violate his own standard 
of it. If he knows and understands the meaning of a 
truth, and then evades or violates it with deliberate 
motive and intent, he is dishonest. It is the motive and 
intent of an act which determine its constructiveness 
or destructiveness to the individual, its honesty or 
dishonesty. 

Nature holds us personally responsible and morally 
accountable for our acts and conduct, at any given 
time, only insofar as we have knowledge. That is, we 
are personally responsible and morally accountable 
only for those acts which we knowingly, intentionally 
and voluntarily commit. 

For instance: An individual makes a statement. His 
present knowledge of the subject justifies him in making 
it. He desires to tell the truth, and he does so to the best 
of his knowledge at that time. Now, while his statement 
may be untrue, yet this man is not held morally account- 
able by Nature for this untruth, because he is acting 

119 



no THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

in good faith according to his knowledge at the time. 
He does not knowingly and intentionally tell a falsehood. 
Therefore, he is not dishonest. 

A day later, however, he learns the truth of the matter 
and acquires further knowledge concerning it. He re- 
ahzes that he has made a false statement. He also 
reahzes that if the truth were told it would injure him. 
Hence, under the influence of a selfish motive and in- 
terest, he knowingly and intentionally repeats the false 
statement, to save himself from injury. He knows better; 
but, consciously and intentionally, and of his own free 
will and accord, he tells the falsehood. In this case he 
is dishonest, because he had the necessary knowledge, and 
to that degree he is held responsible. 

Thus, an act is dishonest only insofar as it is committed 
knowingly, intentionally and voluntarily in violation of 
the truth. 

We all know that dishonesty is a temptation to every 
individual in some phase and at some time in his life. 
We also know that it is destructive, degrading and 
contemptible; and that the more subtle and dehberate 
the act of dishonesty the more contemptible it becomes. 
Because of its destructive influence it is necessary and 
important that dishonesty be eliminated from the nurs- 
ing profession which we all desire to see represent the 
noblest and best. 

The subject of dishonesty is understood fairly well 
by all of us. At least, we can determine, if we will, 
our own honesty or dishonesty by conscientiously 
studying our own motives and intentions. We can 
reahze that we must have our own standard of truth in 
all things, and at all times exemplify the truth to the 



DISHONESTY 121 



best of our knowledge and ability. We also can bear in 
mind the fact that any conscious and intentional evasion 
or violation of our own standard of truth is dishonesty. 
It then rests with each of us to apply these principles 
in his own personal life. 

It is the purpose, at this time, to consider the temp- 
tation of dishonesty in the lives and experiences of nurses 
only in a general way. With the foregoing analysis in 
mind it is believed the subject will be clear to the average 
reader without further details. 

Dishonesty manifests itself in two ways, namely, in 
words and in actions. Let us consider first its manifes- 
tation in words. 

An individual may be dishonest by telling a deliberate 
and undisguised falsehood, or he may betray dishonesty 
by craftily and subtly evading the truth. Both these 
methods are destructive and degrading, as well as con- 
temptible. In the nursing profession a nurse may 
show dishonesty by speaking a deliberate falsehood 
concerning her work, her patients, her associates, or 
any other subject; or, she may do the same thing by 
evading the truth and giving out wrong impressions. 

There are many causes for the falsehoods of nurses 
in regard to their work, some of which are Vanity, 
Selfishness, Indolence, Procrastination, Forgetfulness, 
or Neglect of duty. There are many things concerning 
which they "stretch the truth." Some of these may 
be temperatures, medicines, treatments and their results, 
conditions of patients, and their work in general. 

For example : A nurse reports unqualifiedly to a physi- 
cian that she has given a previously prescribed treatment 
when, in reality, she has failed, through Indolence, to 



122 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

do so. She has the motive and intent in her soul dehb- 
erately to deceive the doctor in order that she may 
escape reprimand or punishment. She knowingly and 
intentionally and voluntarily violates the truth. She 
is dishonest! 

Upon being questioned she intentionally may evade 
the truth in such manner as to give the impression that 
the treatment or medicine was given. Nevertheless, 
she is conscious, deep down within her soul, that through 
forgetfulness she failed to discharge her responsibiUty. 
She realizes that she is deserving of a just reprimand 
because of her neglect. In order to avoid the punish- 
ment, however, she intentionally evades the truth. She 
is dishonest! 

It is not uncommon to find nurses who yield to the 
temptation of dishonesty by recording falsehoods upon 
the records of their patients. Either through Indolence, 
Procrastination or Forgetfulness, certain important 
duties and obligations are neglected or avoided. The 
fear of reproof, or of possible punishment, leads them to 
record these duties as fully performed. They yield to 
the temptation, record the treatment or the giving of the 
medicine, as the case may be, and thereby betray both 
dishonesty and weakness of character. 

The falsehood may or may not be discovered. In 
either case, the results upon the nurse, as an individual, 
are the same. Her soul suffers the same degradation. 
For, let it be remembered always that every conscious 
and intentional evasion or violation of the truth for 
unworthy purposes, whether by word or act, leaves its 
scar upon the soul, and that this scar some time must be 



DISHONESTY 123 



eradicated before the individual can reach his evolu- 
tionary goal. 

Dishonesty is manifested in actions by taking posses- 
sion of things belonging to others with the intention of 
confiscating them. This is a common form of dishonesty 
to which no self-respecting nurse ever should lower 
herself. By yielding to this degrading temptation she 
loses the confidence of her patients, her associates and 
all with whom she comes in contact. She becomes an 
object of contempt and disdain, and places a great 
barrier in her pathway to success. 

Many people, including some nurses, have studied 
and acquired to its perfection the art of acting. That 
is, they have learned to act in such manner, as to give 
outward impressions which are the direct antithesis of 
their internal thoughts and state of being. They pre- 
tend to be that which, in reality, they are not. They 
endeavor to lead away from the truth by their actions. 
By their outward manner they induce people to believe 
an untruth. In fact, they act a lie, rather than tell one, 
and consider themselves clever in thus evading or 
avoiding the truth without verbally falsifying. 

If such individuals would stop for a moment to study 
their motives and intentions they would recognize a 
pure and unadulterated dishonesty which they manifest 
and exemplify, for which they certainly need take unto 
themselves no credit. 

Nurses, on their way to Service, Success and Happiness, 
should hold themselves far above this form of deception 
and dishonesty. It has no place in the field of altruistic 
nursing. 

There can be little doubt that there comes a time in 



124 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the lives of nurses and physicians when what we term 
*' white Hes" are not only permissible but justifiable. 
When it is reaHzed by these helpers that the disclosure 
of a truth may be injurious to a patient by causing 
relapse or retarding his progress, a nurse may sincerely 
believe that it is her personal responsibility to withhold 
the truth. In such case it may be necessary to evade, 
avoid or violate the truth; but where the welfare of the 
sick is concerned the higher ethics hold this to be justi- 
fiable. At these times the physicians and nurses must 
be guided by their Conscience, Reason aad highest sense 
of Personal Responsibility. They must not allow them- 
selves, however, to take liberties which are not necessary 
or justifiable. 

The failure to fulfil one's personal responsibility by 
committing sins of dishonesty always brings poor re- 
sults to the individual. It lowers and tends to destroy 
self-respect. It weakens and lowers ideals of honesty, 
truth and personal responsibility. One yielding to the 
temptation renders an individual more liable to future 
temptation and has a tendency to break down his powers 
of resistance. 

Such results are undesirable in the life of any individual. 

In addition to these, the habit of dishonesty results 
in the loss of the respect, confidence and trust of our 
associates. In the profession, in many cases, it proves 
to be an injustice to patients, physicians, associates and, 
perhaps, treatments. It always brings discredit to the 
hospital and its authorities, as well as to the profession; 
for their reputations are built upon the moral standard 
and high-class work of their members. 

These results show plainly that Dishonesty does not 



DISHONESTY 125 



'pay, especially in this noble profession of which we are 
honored members. 

There is a remedy for dishonesty. Again let it be 
said: "First Know, then Do.'* For, in overcoming 
this destructive tendency we first must establish and 
know our individual standard of truth, and then, through 
all obstacles, hardships and disappointments, we must 
live up to and exemplify this standard in our daily life. 

In this remedy we find our same necessary principles 
involved; namely, the Wakeful Consciousness, Independ- 
ent Willi Self -Control, and Personal Responsibility. We 
must keep the Consciousness alert to recognize the 
temptation and to know our standard. We must exert 
our Will and Self-Control to overcome the tendency to 
dishonesty. And we must recognize and discharge our 
Personal Responsibility by exemplifying our standard 
of Truth. 

These four principles will help and enable anyone of 
us to overcome the temptation of dishonesty, if we only 
will to do so. And great will be the compensations to 
those who strive long and earnestly to exemplify Truth 
in all their dealings with themselves and their fellow 
men! 



CHAPTER XII 

Adverse Criticism 

Adverse Criticism is the process of finding fault with 
and cruelly picking to pieces the Uves and characters of 
our fellowmen. To those who do not consider the re- 
sults it is an alluring, enticing and seductive temptation 
which always gives promise of at least temporary satis- 
faction and gratification to the critic; but which usually 
ends in disappointment and regrets, because of its 
inevitable results to the one who indulges it. 

It is a characteristic and habit of many women — 
more than of men — and is one of the most disintegrating 
factors, psychologically, known in human Hfe. It is an 
enemy to harmony and cooperation; for, when Criticism 
"comes in at the door" harmony and cooperation "fly 
out at the window." No permanent good can be ac- 
complished by any group of individuals, as such, when 
the spirit of Criticism is in their midst; for it destroys 
the constructive, combined efforts of all the workers. 

Criticism is also one of the strongest destructive 
factors to soul growth. It is associated with the De- 
structive Principle in Nature; for it involves disloyalty 
and the practice of judging our fellows, which no indi- 
vidual has a moral right to do. Inasmuch as every in- 
dividual is charged by Nature with the obligation to 
live his or her life according to his or her own standard 
of Equity, Justice and Right; it stands to reason that 

126 



ADVERSE CRITICISM 127 

no one Individual can understand, appreciate, nor 
govern the standards of another individual. Therefore, 
no one of us has the moral right to judge any other one 
of us. 

In addition, this habit of Criticism involves a charac- 
ter of Intolerance which always is a barrier to progress, 
whether physical, spiritual or psychical. In a preceding 
chapter the subject of Intolerance and its results has 
been considered and found to be destructive to the 
individual. 

The critical analysis and review of the lives and charac- 
ters of our fellowmen betray Intellectual Vanity and 
Selfishness, both of which are enemies to soul unfold- 
ment. It is an old adage that "The critical attitude of 
mind arises naturally from the consciousness of one's 
own un worthiness." This is true! We see in others 
the reflection of those faults and defects which predomi- 
nate in our own character. Therefore, every time we 
indulge in criticism we betray our own faults, defects, 
smallness and narrowness of character. 

" We are most deeply offended by those things wherein 
we most deeply offend." But when we yield to the en- 
ticing temptation, consciously or unconsciously we 
assume an attitude of self -righteousness, and we do our 
criticising from an elevated angle. This is one of the 
allurements of this temptation. We are gratified in 
assuming the self-righteous attitude, and we feel our- 
selves above the other individual. Nevertheless, in the 
end we are disappointed, because inevitably we must 
return to the consciousness of our own deficiencies and 
unworthiness. 

Criticism always results in far greater harm to tlie 



128 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

critic than to the criticized. It awakens, stimulates 
and develops discord, inharmony, resentment, irritation 
and other phases of anger, and disturbs the peaceful 
content of the critic's soul. What greater harm can 
an individual bring down upon himself? None! The 
influence of discord, inharmony and anger, mars and 
destroys the beauty of the soul as much, if not more, 
than any other agent. 

We know that physical disturbances and annoyances 
frequently cause physical weakness, disease and sickness. 
It is just as true that spiritual and psychical disturbances 
and annoyances cause spiritual and psychical disease 
and sickness. The individual who allows the beautiful, 
constructive peace, content and repose of the soul to be 
disturbed by Criticism becomes psychically weak, 
unwholesome and diseased. Can more harm come to a 
living, human soul? 

We might Uken the spirit of Criticism to that species 
of worm which gradually bores its way into the hearts 
of plants, destroys the vital, integrating centers, and 
in this manner kills them. The essential lives of these 
plants are eaten out and destroyed by the worm. 

Criticism accomplishes precisely this thing in the 
human soul. 

We begin by criticizing the dominant traits of another's 
character. The footing is gained, and the process of 
boring into the soul is begun. Gradually, and perhaps 
unconsciously, the Criticism continues and leads on to 
the personal interests and affairs of the victim. The 
boring progresses. Then we begin to find fault with 
everything the individual says or does. We exaggerate 
and place a wrong construction on all his words and ac- 



ADVERSE CRITICISM 129 

tions, until our own souls become filled with resentment 
and discord. The worm has bored its way into the soul. 
Then begins the eating process. 

We begin to dwell on the faults of the individual, 
enlarging and exaggerating them, until we no longer 
can see any good in his character. The more we think 
of, and dwell on, his faults and defects, the more we be- 
come resentful and irritated. This attitude continues 
until we find ourselves unable to control the outward 
manner and manifestations of our worm-eaten souls. 
We become disagreeable, unkind, crabbed and sour of 
disposition toward other individuals, lose their confi- 
dence and friendship, and thereby forfeit all possible 
opportunity for true service. At this point the soul's 
vital, integrated center is eaten out by the worm of 
Criticism. If this attitude continues we become critical 
of all mankind, and our souls become victims of the 
Destructive Principle of Nature in Individual Life. 
The great finale would seem to be disintegration and 
self-destruction. That is logic. 

The critic generally makes mountains out of mole-hills, 
instead of forming mole-hills out of mountains by mani- 
festing charity, good will, sympathy and generosity of soul. 

Criticism generally results in far greater damage to 
the critic than to the criticized. It weakens the critic's 
character, mars the beauty and wholesomeness of his 
soul, and leads him along the devolutionary path of life. 
It causes him to lose the confidence, respect and good 
will of his fellows and shuts him out from the sunshine 
of their companionship, association and friendship; for 
inevitably the critic becomes branded as a bore and is 
shut out from wholesome, constructive society. 



130 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Is Criticism worth while? 

The honest reader will decide this question for herself. 

Not infrequently we meet nurses who criticize the 
lives and characters of physicians, of their superintend- 
ents, of their associates, and even of their patients. 
The worm of criticism is in their souls, and is eating 
out the vital center of their moral being. They gain no 
satisfaction save such as they derive through criticism 
and fault-finding. If they find nothing on which to 
base their criticism they manufacture it. No orders 
are given, no rules established, no duties assigned, no 
words spoken nor acts performed without arousing the 
critical and fault-finding spirit of this class of nurses. 
It seems to be an inherent part of their natures to criti- 
cize incessantly; and few of these have learned the 
lesson that SELF- Criticism, instead of criticism of 
others, is the only wholesome criticism. 

Such nurses usually are shunned and avoided by their 
worthy associates. The superintendents, physicians and 
and patients lose confidence in and respect for them; 
later on they inevitably find themselves unsuccessful 
in their field of labor. 

Friends, does such Criticism pay? 

If each and every one of us could remember that we 
are sent here by the Great Over-Ruhng InteUigence to 
develop our own indi\ddual characters and unfold our 
latent powers of soul; if we could but remember that 
every time we indulge in criticism of others we waste 
both time and energy which otherwise might be used for 
such development and unfoldment; if we could bear in 
mind that each time we criticize our fellows we fail in 
personal responsibility and will be held strictly account- 



ADVERSE CRITICISM 131 

able under the great Law of Compensation for such 
failure; surely few of us would indulge this time- wasting 
and energy-destroying habit. Certainly few of us 
would be willing to invoke upon ourselves the inevitable 
penalties for such failure. 

If the reader has decided for herself that Criticism 
does not pay; and if, after examining her own soul for 
the critical attitude, she finds that she has something 
in this fine to overcome; she will find in the following a 
most effective method of treating the destructive 
habit of Criticism: 

Bear in mind the above facts. Keep your Conscious- 
ness alert on the subject. Maintain an attitude of for- 
bearance, charity and tolerance toward all mankind. 
If you find you must criticize, then turn the eyes of your 
fault-finding back upon yourself instead of upon others. 
When you become conscious that you are holding a 
critical attitude toward others, exert your Will and save 
yourself from suffering and destruction by turning 
your attention to the good points of your victim's charac- 
ter. By this method you will kill the worm before it 
gains a footing and will turn your mind to constructive 
instead of destructive things. You thereby will take 
one great step forward in the path of evolutionary 
unfoldment and progress. 

You will find that it is well worth the eflFort. 

In other words, IT PAYS!!! 



CHAPTER XIII 

Tactlessness 

There is, perhaps, no temptation in human life so 
unconsciously and innocently yielded to by women as 
that of Tactlessness. It is so generally misunderstood 
and so little attention is given the subject that in the 
regular rounds of life we meet few people whom we 
might consider exemplars of true Tact. The subject, 
as a rule, is considered unworthy of the time and energy 
necessary to cultivate the art. This idea, however, is 
due to the fact that its value is underestimated; for, 
once the art is acquired any honest person will admit 
that it is well worth the time and energy expended in 
the process. It is like anything else. We get as much 
out of it as we put into it, if not more. 

Surely, after the reader has studied and mentally 
weighed the following analysis of the subject she will 
agree that it is a most profitable and desirable acquire- 
ment. 

Tact is the acceptable and constructive exemplifica- 
tion of the soul's intuitive recognition of Right in social 
relations. That is to say, it is the art of exemplifying 
one's own standard of Equity, Justice and Right in 
such manner as not to hurt or offend his fellowmen. 

It is "acute mental discernment of the best course 
of action under given conditions, particularly in deaUng 
with others, to avoid offense." 

132 



TACTLESSNESS 133 



Tactlessness is the inability, or disinclination, to deal 
with other people without injuring or offending them. 
In other words, it is the inability, or disinclination, to 
exemplify one's own standard of life and living in such 
manner as not to offend or hurt other people. 

Very frequently we hear the statement made, that 
Tactfulness is a characteristic of women, far more than 
of men. In one sense this may be true, but it is mostly 
in their relations and dealings with men. Women 
have recognized in the past, and do at the present 
recognize themselves as the 'physical inferiors of men; 
and, because of this, they resort to tact and cleverness 
for winning their points in disputes and contentions. 
They realize the subtle, strong influence they are able 
to exert over men by the use of these weapons and, 
therefore, make practical and continued use of them. 
For this reason they have acquired the reputation of 
being "Tactful." 

However, this is not the phase of tact which we are to 
consider in this work. The art herein referred to is 
the exemplification of right, in social relations, for con- 
structive purposes. This applies to our relations with 
and among women, as well as men, either for benefiting 
others or ourselves. We shall deal in this chapter with 
conscious, intelligent and constructive TACT. 

The innocent and unconscious indulgence of Tact- 
lessness betrays an undeveloped and immature character. 
The conscious and intelligent surrender to this temp- 
tation discloses Intellectual Vanity and Selfishness. 
The constructive exemplification of the art of Tactfulness 
manifests a refined, developed and unselfish soul. 

It is a general rule that the majority of mankind are 



134 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Tactless in their dealings with other individuals, except 
for selfish purposes. They express opinions, decide prob- 
lems and disclose their personal standards of right in 
such an obtuse, abrupt and outspoken manner as to 
offend and hurt others without ever considering them. 
They have in mind their own ideas of Equity and 
Justice, and disregard the ideas and feelings of others. 
They fail in that skilful, discerning power which leads 
them to express themselves in such manner as will be 
acceptable and helpful to others, rather than offensive 
and hurtful. They lack the keen, mental perception 
which enables a person to say or do the right thing, 
whether disagreeable, hard, seemingly cruel, or otherwise, 
in a way which will be acceptable, pleasing and helpful 
to the recipient. In other words, they have not acquired 
the art of Tact. 

Whether this be due to ignorance or to conscious and 
willful violation, the results are the same. They are 
many and undesirable. 

An abrupt, blunt manner, or method of speech, is 
offensive to most normal, refined people. It is far 
more hurtful, displeasing and annoying to abnormal, 
nervous, sick and highly sensitive individuals who are 
not strong enough physically nor mentally to overlook 
the outspoken abruptness of others. For this reason it 
is of great importance for nurses to study and practice 
the art of Tactfulness, particularly in their association 
and work with the sick. All the splendid results of their 
mechanical labors may be rendered entirely void by 
one simple act of Tactlessness. 

A nurse always must bear in mind that she has the 
mental and psychical side of human nature to deal with in 



TACTLESSNESS 135 



her work, as well as the physical side; and that one is 
equally as important to the welfare of her patient as the 
other. Because of this she must exercise Tact in all her 
deahngs, so as to keep the mental attitude of her patient 
unruffled and wholesome and in condition to derive 
benefit from all her treatments whether physical, mental, 
or psychical. 

Patients, as a rule, are very susceptible to influence. 
A nurse who has the confidence and respect of a sick 
person can do much to lead that individual along fines 
of right or wrong thought just by her own attitude and 
manner. If she is gentle, kind, sympathetic and per- 
suasive in her efforts to serve, in time she will induce her 
patient to follow her directions without in the least 
arousing his resentment or antagonism. If she is domi- 
neering, dogmatic and self-assertive in her manner, she 
will offend the patient, incite a wrong attitude of soul 
in him, and do as much harm to him as good. It calls 
for continued, careful foresight and study to approach 
different patients in a tactful manner and handle each 
one in such manner as will be pleasing and acceptable 
to his or her individual ideas and tastes. 

If we will be tactful in our work as nurses we must 
learn to say and do hard, disagreeable and severe things 
in an amiable way which will be agreeable, satisfactory, 
inviting and attractive to our patients. We must man- 
age to lead them our way — that is, to follow our direc- 
tions — so cleverly and skilfuUy that they do not reafize 
the fact that we are leading them, or that they are doing 
anything but having their own way. We must be 
positive, strong-willed and firm in fulfilling our duties; 



136 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

but we must disguise this with kindness, amiability, 
gentleness and consideration. This is Tact. 

It was once said of a gentleman who had mastered the 
art of Tactfulness that he could tell "the meanest, 
most hateful, most offensive truths'* in such a smooth, 
gentle, and kind manner that people never realized he 
was saying anything but the most complimentary things. 
This man made and held friends wherever he went, 
because of his consideration and thoughtfulness of the 
feelings of others. 

At this point an illustration or two may be of service 
to the reader, in helping to make clear the subject under 
discussion: 

A patient has a certain fad in bed-making. The bed 
must be made precisely so; otherwise the patient be- 
comes uncomfortable, irritated and nervously disorgan- 
ized. She frets and fumes and works herself into a 
tantrum if her idea is not carried out. 

A nurse of the strong, positive type is put In charge 
of the case. She has other views on the subject of mak- 
ing beds. She bluntly tells the patient so and refuses 
to cater to her whims, asserting that it is not the hospital 
style of bed-making. She is abrupt in her speech and 
manner, and is very outspoken. She uses no Tact in 
deahng with the sensitive patient. Consequently, she 
arouses her resentment, disturbs her peace of mind 
and upsets her nervously so that she is restless, nervous 
and unhappy for several hours following the incident. 
This causes a set-back to her convalescence and, perhaps, 
results even more seriously. 

This unnecessary disturbance is solely the result of 
a nurse's Tactlessness. 



TACTLESSNESS 137 



If the nurse had been Tactful she would have catered 
to this insignificant whim of detail and thereby would 
have gained the friendship and confidence of her patient. 
She would have avoided the rocks; and moreover, she 
would have kept her patient in a normal, constructive 
attitude of soul and mind. Or, if the nurse could not 
conscientiously allow the whim to be encouraged, she 
should have kindly, amiably and gently, but firmly 
and persistently worked her patient out of the idea 
without in the least hurting or offending her. This 
would have been the exemplification of Tact. 

Again: Another patient objects to a certain treatment 
which the physician has ordered for her. She refuses to 
have the treatment given, and becomes irritable and 
disturbed. A tactless nurse is waiting on her. She 
bluntly and positively informs the patient that she must 
have the treatment. The nurse also becomes irritable 
and ill-tempered and directly goes about to perform her 
duty. The patient is hurt by the abrupt speech and 
manner of the nurse, cries and upsets herself, worries 
over the affair and becomes so mentally disturbed that 
no benefit is derived from the treatment after all. 

If the nurse had been Tactful she would have reasoned 
with her patient in a considerate, kind and controlled 
manner. She would have firmly but gently given the 
patient to understand that the treatment must be given 
according to the physician's order, and be given on time. 
She would have impressed the patient with the impor- 
tance of the treatment and of her duty in fulfilling the 
order. 

In nine cases out of ten the nurse's kindness and 
example of self-control and considerateness would have 



138 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

won the admiration, esteem and good will of the patient 
who, probably, would have consented to the treatment. 
If not these results, at least the nurse would have avoided 
arousing the resentment and antagonism of the unrespon- 
sive patient, and would have been free of the responsi- 
biUty for the patient's disturbed condition. 

The results of Tactlessness in the nursing profession 
are many and most unfortunate: 

1. We lose the respect and confidence of our patients, 
the physicians and our associates. 

2. We arouse the destructive phases of character in 
others. 

3. We fail to fulfil our Personal Responsibihty for 
which we will sometime be called upon to make amends. 

4. We lose opportunities for true service. 

5. We place a large barrier in the road which leads to 
our goal of success. 

6. We retard our own soul growth. 

The results of Tactfulness, on the other hand, are 
most expedient and advantageous: 

1. By Tactfulness we cultivate and increase the con- 
fidence, good will and friendship of our patients and our 
associates. We also gain the compensations thereof. 

2. We set a good example and inspire others along 
higher lines of development. 

3. We open up greater opportunities for true and 
noble service. 

4. We render ourselves more capable of giving service. 

5. We travel rapidly our road to success in the nursing 
profession. 

6. We develop ourselves spiritually and psychically 
through our personal effort to be thoughtful of others. 



TACTLESSNESS 139 

It is now for the honest reader to decide which results 
are more desirable and expedient in her work as a nurse 
and which pay in the end. It is up to her to determine 
whether or not she will cultivate and practise the art 
of Tactfulness in her dealings with others. This is an 
individual problem for her to work out. The most that 
can be done for her is merely to point the way. 

In her effort, however, to solve the problem it would 
be well for the reader to remember that it is far more 
worthy of a noble character to be tactfully honest and 
firm than it is to be bluntly honest and abrupt. 



CHAPTER XIV 

Jealousy and Envy 

Jealousy and Envy are psychological combinations 
of Fear and Anger. 

These are equally destructive in their effects upon the 
individual who harbors them. They both lead along 
the pathway of devolutionary life and soul retrogression. 
Therefore, the individual who is striving to reach a happy 
goal at the end of the evolutionary path of life must 
control these destructive agents and conquer the fear 
and anger which are at their basis. 

Jealousy has been defined as follows: 

"Jealousy is made up of fear that another may obtain 
possession of that which we regard as rightfully our own, 
and anger against him because of his desire or attempt 
to accomplish that end." 

Envy is defined as follows: 

"Envy is the desire of the individual to possess that 
which another rightfully possesses, together with anxiety 
lest he may not succeed, and resentment against the 
rightful possessor." 

In the definition of Jealousy we find a combination 
of fear and anger. 

A nurse has gained the respect, confidence and good 
will of a certain patient. She selfishly regards this as her 
own exclusive right and possession. She observes the 
patient manifesting, however, interest in an associate 

140 



JEALOUSY AND ENVY 141 

nurse, and speaking complimentary things of her. The 
nurse begins to feel anxious, uncertain and suspicious 
(which are phases of fear) that her associate nurse is 
endeavoring to win the good will, confidence and respect 
of the patient. She becomes resentful, indignant, bitter 
and hateful toward her associate. These emotions 
are phases of Anger. She yields to the temptation of 
Jealousy and eventually becomes consumed by it. Her 
soul suffers the inevitable results of the fear and anger 
involved in Jealousy. 

In the above definition of Envy we also find a com- 
bination of these same destructive elements. 

A conscientious nurse, through special effort and 
energy devoted to the lines of her work, has gained the 
respect and admiration of the superintendent and physi- 
cians of the hospital. An associate nurse, who has been 
indolent or careless, desires and longs for the honor 
possessed by her fellow nurse. She becomes anxious, 
discouraged and distrustful (phases of fear) that she will 
be unable to gain that honor. She then becomes resent- 
ful, hateful, bitter and revengeful toward the other nurse, 
and thus displays these various phases of anger. She 
continues envious of that which another rightfully has 
acquired through personal effort. In this attitude she 
is traveling along the retrograde pathway of devolution. 

We see, therefore, that Jealousy and Envy are, indeed, 
combinations of Fear and Anger, both of which are 
powerful, destructive factors in human hfe. 

Anger consumes the human soul. Fear paralyzes it. 
Each, in its own way, retards the soul in its onward 
progress to self-development and unfoldment, and causes 
discontent and unhappiness. 



142 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Jealousy and Envy are temptations which must be 
met and overcome by all individuals who hope to reach 
the goal of evolutionary unfoldment. 

The only remedy is Self -Control. 

The general results of these two temptations are in- 
evitably objectionable, unsatisfactory and unprofitable. 
By yielding to them we radiate an uncongenial magnet- 
ism which causes inharmony in our relations with others. 
We lose the friendship and companionship of broad- 
minded, cheerful and helpful individuals. We waste 
an enormous amount of valuable time and energy which 
otherwise might be put to constructive use in acquiring 
and holding the things we so much desire. Our con- 
tinued Jealousy and Envy develop within us a resent- 
ful, crabbed and unwholesome disposition, and most 
assuredly lead us along the devolutionary pathway, in 
the very direction we do not wish to travel. 

If we could keep our Consciousness alert, study our 
motives and intentions, and the reasons for our unfriendly 
attitudes toward others, we would be making our first step 
toward overcoming the above mentioned temptations; 
for, frequently we do not reahze that we are either 
Jealous or Envious. 

When a nurse is ordered to prepare a patient for 
operation, there are certain definite steps she must take 
before she is ready to accompHsh her duty. These 
preliminary steps must be taken in order; and the work 
must be done conscientiously otherwise the final results 
will not be satisfactory. 

It is just so with our duty to overcome temptation. 
There are certain, definite preliminary things we must 
do before we can discharge our obligation. We first 



JEALOUSY AND ENVY 143 

must recognize our responsibility in the matter. Then 
we must determine to discharge that responsibiHty. 
We must decide unquaHfiedly to overcome the tempta- 
tion. This, however, cannot be done until we are able 
to recognize and know that such enticements come to us. 
In order to do this it is necessary to study our motives, 
intentions and reasons for all the things we do. We then 
must know and congregate our instruments. That is, 
we must know the remedy and how to use it in accom- 
plishing this work. Then and then only are we ready 
to begin the actual work of fighting the battle. 
Our working tools are: 

1. A wakeful Consciousness to know the temptation. 

2. A Will to overcome it. 
Our remedies are: 

1. A knowledge of our Personal Responsibility in the 
matter. 

2. The exercise of Self-Control. 

One thing which has been of most real help to the 
author in controlling these temptations — for she has met 
them many times in her life and experience — has been a 
study and remembrance of Nature's great Law of Com- 
pensation which deals justly and equitably with all 
individuals under all circumstances. She has pondered 
over this fact and studied it until she has come to a re- 
alization that she will receive a just reward for all the 
personal effort she puts forth. Neither more nor less 
will she ever receive. In her study of this Law, Emer- 
son's essay on the Law of Compensation has been of 
wonderful help to her. 

If this law were not true, how would it be possible to 
account for the fact that some people are blessed with 



144 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

comforts, talents and other advantages; while others have 
so Uttle in this Ufe? 

This can only be because the one class have earned 
those rewards and the others have not. 

If all of us could but bear this fact in mind and con- 
sciousness at all times, and if we could reahze that all 
our acquirements and achievements are the results of 
our own personal efforts (either in this life or, as some 
beheve, in other lives) we would find no room for Jeal- 
ousy or En\y in our souls. 

We can acquire and gain any achievement (for the 
possibilities are within ourselves) if we have but the 
"Intelhgence to Know, the Courage to Dare and the 
Perseverance to Do." 

Could we keep this in mind, and work to make the 
best of our inherent abihties, we would be so busy that 
there would be no time nor inclination to begrudge or 
lament over the good fortune of others. We would no 
longer indulge ourselves in the temptations of Jealousy 
and En\"y. 

All indi\'idual development and evolutionary unfold- 
ment are the result of personal effort alone! 



CHAPTER XV 

Officiousness 

Officiousness is a common characteristic of the ma- 
jority of strong individuahties. It is not at all unusual 
to find positive characters betraying obtrusive ness, 
and meddling in the private affairs of other persons 
without invitation or necessity. It is a universal tend- 
ency of positive characters. 

Officiousness expresses a phase of Intellectual Vanity. 
It means — "to obtrude one's self or one's opinions on 
others, or to volunteer one's services where they are 
neither asked nor needed." Its synonyms are: meddle- 
someness, interference, tampering with, obtrusiveness. 

The majority of us usually are disposed to feel resentful 
toward obtrusive personalities. We feel disgusted 
with them when they endeavor to intrude or thrust 
their opinions on us uninvited. We are offended by 
this expression of Vanity and Selfishness. Neither do 
we enjoy having certain individuals meddle in our own 
private affairs, interfere where they are not wanted, or 
persist in volunteering their services when we neither 
desire nor need them. It chafes us and causes irritation, 
resentment and repulsion in our attitude toward them. 
We endeavor to shun such individuals, and to avoid 
their undesirable association. 

All self-respecting individuals, whether normal or 
otherwise, resent meddlesomeness and obtrusiveness in 
10 145 



146 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

others. We feel repellent toward the individuals who 
practise these annoying traits of character. We, as 
healthy, normal indi\dduals, reahze the annoying effects 
of an officious person. Have you, dear reader, ever 
stopped to consider what effect such a personahty would 
have on a highly sensitive sick person .f* 

Surely each and every one of us has at some time 
experienced the disagreeable effects produced on our 
consciousness by an officious person. Let each of us, 
then, as a nurse, recall the confused state of our own soul 
at the time of such experience and then try to reahze 
and appreciate what would be the effect of such a person- 
ahty on a sick patient. In doing this we must take 
into account the general nervous condition of the sick 
person and his natural tendency to exaggerate all dis- 
agreeable occurrences. Let us analyze and define our 
own feehngs under similar conditions and apply these, 
if we can, to our patients. 

Perhaps by making this effort to understand, we may 
get an idea of the effects produced on a sick person by 
an obtrusive, meddlesome individual, and thus be able 
to sympathize with him. 

It is hoped that the reader, especially if a nurse, may 
be inspired to put forth this effort to understand, appre- 
ciate and sympathize with her patients. It is also hoped 
that she may be impelled to search dihgentiy her own 
soul for traces of this disagreeable characteristic; and if 
she find any, to resolve forthwith that she will ehminate 
it from her soul — for it is unworthy of her, both as a 
woman and as a nurse. 

An officious nurse arouses the destructive impulses of 
irritation, annoyance and resentment in her patients. 



OFFICIOUSNESS 147 



She displeases the physicians, and leads her associates 
to shun her as undesirable company. She invites hos- 
tihty and repulsion in all persons with whom she comes 
in contact. She repels friendship, and shuts the door on 
the confidences of her patients and her associates. 

In truth, the officious nurse sets in motion a repellent 
force which destroys confidences she has already received, 
and erects a barrier to gaining the future confidences and 
friendship of her fellowmen. 

Officiousness is a temptation which, if yielded to, 
leads to most unfortunate results, and to discontent of 
mind and soul. 

The following brief divergence seems apropos to the 
subject under discussion. It is in the nature of a short 
discourse on the subject of Outward Manner. For, it 
has been learned from experience that this theme is 
one seldom analyzed or studied by those of our profes- 
sion; and in the event it is studied we seldom find the 
knowledge so gained practically applied. 

Outward Manner is of great importance in the nursing 
profession, as well as in any other association or work 
of life. It should be thoroughly understood and ex- 
emplified by every conscientious individual who is en- 
deavoring to serve his or her fellowmen in any capacity. 

Manner is the outward manifestation of the individu- 
ality. It is a phase of personahty which betrays the 
individual soul within. This is true. Yet, it is possible 
for us to fall into habits of manner representing a definite 
state of development, and to continue in these particular 
habits after we have passed above and beyond the point 
of unfoldment which they represent. Thus, through 
the practice of such habits we often make impressions 



148 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



on others which differ widely from the attitude of soul 
maintained within. In this we do ourselves injustice. 

For instance: TOiile our soul is still filled with intellec- 
tual vanity we form a habit of manifesting exaggerated 
independence through our outward manner. As we 
put forth the personal effort to develop and unfold 
ourselves, we gradually eliminate this phase of vanity. 
We are thoroughly aware of this. But, consciously 
or unconsciously, through ignorance or indolence, we 
give no attention to our outward manner, and fail to 
change it so as to make it represent our true individu- 
ality subsequently. We continue along in the old habit 
we have previously established. When new acquaint- 
anoes express an opinion of us they are apt to say: "She 
impresses me as being too independent." They natu- 
rally feel a sense of repulsion toward us. We are made to 
suffer the inevitable results of such a disagreeable impres- 
sion by closing the door to their friendship and confi- 
dence. This occurs as the result of an Outward Manner 
which fails to represent the true inward attitude of the 
individual. 

It is a very simple and not an unusual thing to make 
unfortunate impressions through a wrong outward man- 
ner, alone. In the work of nursing it is especially neces- 
sary to study and watch this outward manner that it 
shall not convey false impressions to others and thereby 
erect barriers in our pathway to success. For, it is an 
easy thing to cause ourselves to be shunned, disKked or 
avoided solely by reason of our outward manner, whereas 
were we able to manifest our real inner attitude of soul, 
our true individuahty, we would be loved and admired 



OFFICIOUSNESS 149 

by the very ones who have received such wrong impres- 
sions of us. 

It is possible that many of us nurses, if we but knew 
it, give the wrong impression of being officious even 
when there is no trace of that attitude within our souls. 
For this reason we must study carefully our outward 
manner and make sure that it conveys exactly and at all 
times our true inward attitude of soul. If we keep this 
idea in mind, study the subject and inquire occasionally 
of our friends concerning our manner and their impres- 
sions of us, we will be able to overcome this unfortunate 
habit of wrong manner, and will accomphsh much in 
reaching our goal of success. We must strive to culti- 
vate such an outward manner as will be pleasing and 
acceptable to our patients and all our associates. More- 
over, the honest effort to maintain a constructive and 
pleasing outward manner has a powerful influence upon 
the internal attitude of soul which helps to keep it in 
line with the Constructive Principle of Nature. 

The remedy for overcoming Officiousness is to study 
and learn the true meaning of Humility, and to practise 
that virtue in our daily lives. Certainly, it is necessary 
to keep our Consciousness alert that we may recognize 
any tendency to yield to this temptation. We also must 
recognize our Personal Responsibility in the matter, 
and must exert our Will and Self-Control to conquer it. 
If we will bear in mind our own feeling of repulsion 
toward obtrusive and meddlesome indixdduals, it will 
prove a great help to us in removing these disagreeable 
traits from our own souls, and will lead us toward the 
goal of our self-development and ultimate success. 



CHAPTER XVI 

The Failure to Educate Patients 

The opportunities for rendering valuable help and 
service to our fellowmen, by educating them along 
many lines, are varied and numerous in the nursing 
profession. That occupation is one among many where 
the helpers come closely enough in contact with their 
patrons to serve them in a consistent and helpful manner 
and in such way as to leave a lasting impression upon 
their consciousness. 

It is an opportunity of a nurse's lifetime to be per- 
mitted to serve humanity by educating her patients 
along the Knes of health, for of this they are at present 
sorely in need. There is no greater benefit she can 
bestow on them and no greater good she can accompHsh 
for her fellows than by following out this hne of education. 

One of the great shortcomings of nurses — particularly 
in the field of private duty where the opportunities are 
greatest — is their failure to educate their patients. The 
majority of them do not seem to understand or appreci- 
ate this as a definite part of their personal responsibihty. 
They continue, day after day, performing no more than 
merely their mechanical duties. The equally important 
and sometimes more effectual part of their obhgation 
is ignored or avoided entirely. All effort is made to 
effect the temporary cure of patients. Nothing is 
done to teach them the ways and means of preventing 

150 



FAILURE TO EDUCATE PATIENTS 151 



new troubles and of remaining cured of old ones. This 
responsibility is left almost entirely undischarged. 

The duty of teaching and educating the patients under 
her charge is as much a part of the nurse*s obligation as 
is bathing them, giving medicines, taking temperatures, 
etc. It is her responsibility to teach them the care of 
themselves physically and mentally. There is no other 
profession so naturally equipped in every way to do this 
work as is the nursing profession. Therefore, if nurses 
fail in this duty how will the public ever be educated 
wisely along these lines? 

It is true that the medical profession has the knowl- 
edge, the intelligence and the ability to do this impor- 
tant work. However, the members of that profession 
do not come closely enough in contact with the daily 
lives and intimate confidences of the patients, nor do 
they spend sufficient time with them to make a deep and 
lasting impression upon them. 

The greater portion of the nurse's time is spent in 
intimate association with her patients. She comes to 
know of their lives, their habits of living, their weak- 
nesses, failures and difficulties, their idiosyncrasies and 
nervous temperaments; and, if she is a successful nurse, 
she usually wins their complete confidence. She is able 
to study their needs and necessities, and if she properly 
uses her intelhgence and opportunities, is able to render 
a large amount of invaluable service to them by supply- 
ing these needs and necessities. In various ways she 
has the opportunity to teach and educate them every 
minute of the time she spends with them in such manner 
as to make a strong and lasting impression on them and 
inspire them to make practical use of her teachings and 



153 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

suggestions. By the use of her intelligence, and some 
personal effort, she can make herself a power for good 
in educating and inspiring those of the pubhc who are 
under her care. Thus she can do her part in establish- 
ing health, peace and happiness among mankind where 
the demand for these is so great. 

There are various methods of accomplishing this 
work. To obtain the best results it is necessary to 
combine the various methods and use them as one's 
judgment dictates. It is essential to study the character 
of a patient and apply such methods as will be acceptable 
and make the deepest impression on him. In some cases 
it is one method; in others yet another, and in others 
still all methods will be found necessary. 

We educate by giving definite instruction along 
specific fines. A certain class of individuals will be in- 
terested in, and will acquire more knowledge by, this 
process than by any other. On the other hand, some 
will be found who refuse to listen to instruction, but who 
will absorb more knowledge through a proper influence 
on the part of the nurse. Others, because of vanity, 
will spurn the idea of being taught anything by a nurse; 
but these will be found to yield to good example, although 
they will not admit this even to themselves. Again, we 
may find some who will submit to no method but that 
of suggestion. Because of this we first must study our 
indi\'idual patient, and then apply one of the methods, 
or a combination of two or more, or a union of all 
of them. We must bear these methods of education in 
mind and apply them as our judgment dictates in each 
particular case. These methods are: 

1. By direct instruction. 



FAILURE TO EDUCATE PATIENTS 153 

2. By personal influence. 

3. Py personal example. 

4. By independent suggestion. 

There are also various lines along which we must 
educate. These are : 

1. The prophylaxis of disease. 

2. The essentials of nursing. 

3. Personal Cleanliness. 

4. Along intellectual and educational lines. 

5. A wholesome philosophy of morahty. 

6. The influence of the mind on the physical body. 

7. The Law of Magnetism. 

As the nurse proceeds in her journey of service she 
will find that patients need education in any one of these 
various lines, or it may be in all. It is her responsibility 
to ascertain her patient's needs and then to supply 
them. 

It is astonishing to find how many people there are in 
this day and age who know little, if anything, of the ways 
and means of preventing disease. Such individuals 
need to be taught these things and taught them thor- 
oughly. If this is not done a temporary cure will prove 
ineffective; for, if they are permitted to continue in 
their ignorance in a short time they will fall a prey to the 
same disease or to some other. The duty of educating 
this class of patients falls to the nurse. 

It is unnecessary to go into the details of this line of 
work, for all nurses are taught prophylaxis in their 
training schools. They have the knowledge if they will 
but use it. We therefore will pass on to the next line of 
work — that of teaching the essentials of nursing. 
. Those who are ignorant in this line must be taught the 



154 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

necessity and the reasons for the frequent bathing of 
sick people, and for keeping them clean both inside and 
out. The cleansing of the teeth and mouth should be 
thoroughly taught and discussed, and the importance of 
this practice made clear and definite. They should be 
made to understand and appreciate the necessity of 
pure, fresh air about the sick-room, and the inevitable 
results of foul, impure air. The essentials of sick-room 
diet should be taught clearly and concisely to every 
patient, that she may understand the theory and practice 
of a proper diet in overcoming disease. 

Personal cleanUness should be taught in general and 
in detail to those who need enlightenment on this sub- 
ject. They should be taught that " Cleanhness is next 
to godUness, ' ' and that they should ' ' get next . ' ' Bathing, 
teeth cleansing, hair washing, care of the finger nails, 
change of underclothing, etc., all should be included in 
this course. Incidentally, one of the most potent 
methods of impressing the necessity of all this is by the 
constant example of the nurse herself. She can accom- 
plish as much by constituting herself a living example in 
ihis Hne as by any other method, if not more. 

We nurses always should strive to stimulate our 
patients along lines of higher intellectual pursuits and 
general interests, that they may not dwell on their own 
physical ailments and, through worry and fretting, delay 
their progress. We must do all in our power to keep 
their minds directed along Unes of thought away from 
themselves, until we can obtain their intelligent coopera- 
tion. This is best accompHshed by interesting them in 
good, wholesome Hterature, and cultivating their tastes 



FAILURE TO EDUCATE PATIENTS 155 

for educational and instructive writings, or in some line 
of definite study. 

It is always our responsibility to inculcate in the minds 
of our patients a wholesome philosophy of morahty, 
and inspire them to exemplify it. In the nursing pro- 
fession we meet many people whose standards of mo- 
rality are loose and their ideals low. We must strive by 
example, influence and right suggestion, to lead these to 
a higher understanding of the laws of life and morality, 
and establish within them a desire to exemplify these 
laws. This is one of the great needs of the sick and the 
suffering always. There is no greater service we can 
render. 

In teaching any of these subjects it is well to bear in 
mind that the most potent results are gained by practis- 
ing what we preach. This always acts as a greater in- 
spiration to, and leaves a greater impression on, others 
than all the preaching we can do — if we fail to practise. 

The last and, perhaps, the most important subject we 
are in duty bound to teach our patients is the influence 
of the mind on the physical body. It is an essential 
item in the prevention and the cure of disease, and can- 
not be overlooked by those who are in charge of the sick, 
and who earnestly are striving to fulfil their entire 
personal responsibility. 

It is an understood fact among most medical and 
scientific men of today that the influence of the mind 
upon the condition of the physical body is one of the 
most potent physiological and pathological facts of 
Nature. 

The general pubHc, too, are conscious of this fact, 
although they may not fully realize it. They follow 



156 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the various treatments and cures which are effected for 
the sole purpose of estabHshing a definite state of mind 
to be reflected on the physical body, and marvel at the 
wonderful results. Few understand the process of the 
cure. 

The cure by prayer, mind cure, miracle cure, bread 
pills, placebos. Christian Science treatments and Hypno- 
tism are various systems resorted to in the hope of re- 
storing a normal, healthy condition through the influence 
of the mind. If one were to analyze the underlying 
principle of these and various other unmentioned proc- 
esses used by physicians, he would find it to be the same 
in virtually every case. The sole purpose of each one 
is to establish in the mind of the patient a steadfast and 
an abounding Faith that he will be cured. This is known 
as the " Therapeutic Faith" Therefore, the object of 
all these treatments and cures is to inspire Therapeutic 
Faith in the patient. This is the underlying principle. 

In the Bible we find several instances wherein these 
words are spoken by the Master, Jesus: ''Thy faith hath 
made thee whole." The real principle of cure is fully 
stated in those words. 

One of our essential responsibihties as nurses, then, 
is to establish in our patients a deep and abiding Thera- 
peutic Faith, for this is essential in the prevention and 
the cure of disease. We must inspire in them three 
definite things: 

1. A sincere and true desire to be well. 

2. A strong Will to be well. 

3. A resolute and unconquerable Faith that he will 
become well. 

Without these conditions all other physical or mental 



FAILURE TO EDUCATE PATIENTS 157 

treatments will be found largely valueless, for the mind 
and the body must be in a receptive condition to 
obtain the benefits of all such treatments. Otherwise 
they fail. 

The following is an extract from the writings of a 
well-known author on the subject of "True Suggestion 
and Faith:" 

"The relation of the mind to the physical body is 
such that every mental state or condition has its reflex 
condition in the physical organism. Just why this is 
true is a proposition which might lead to endless discus- 
sion with fruitless results. But perhaps one of the best 
known and most frequently demonstrated facts of 
medical science is comprised in the statement that the 
patient's mind is a potent factor which must be taken 
into account in the treatment and cure of disease of all 
kinds. . . . 

"The regular physician knows that Fear, Anger, 
Worry, Anxiety, Sorrow, Gloom, Doubt, Despair, 
Unhappiness and Excitement of every kind and degree, 
are destructive mental conditions which have a tendency 
to produce disease, and when so produced to aggravate 
and accelerate its destructive action upon the physical 
body. 

" He hkewise knows that Courage, Brightness, Cheer- 
fulness, Freedom from care, with Perseverance, Deter- 
mination, Hope and Faith, are all mighty factors to 
supplement Nature's Constructive Principle in the 
restoration and conservation of health and life." 

In this connection, we must impress upon every 
patient (particularly the women) that the failure to 
exercise Self-Control over the emotions in the daily home 



158 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

life, or in business life, inevitably will lead to some form 
of disease, or will aggravate those already existing. 
Every uncontrolled impulse to worry, discouragement, 
anxiety, anger, fear, excitement, or despair leads directly 
to headaches, indigestion, nervous disorders, and other 
abnormal physical conditions. This they must learn, and 
the nurse must teach them. On the other hand, brave 
cheerfulness, a sense of humor, courage, perseverance, 
determination and Faith will build up and strength en 
the physical organism and lead along the path to 
physical health and soul contentment. We nurses 
must inspire these conditions of mind in our patients 
and teach the way for them to follow. 

This means that whenever a nurse finds her patient 
in a brooding iand despondent attitude of mind, or 
hopeless of recovery, it is her special business and re- 
sponsibility, by appeahng to every constructive impulse 
of his mind, to inspire and estabhsh a genuine Hope. 

Wherever she discovers a morbid attitude in the mind 
of her patient which tends toward destructive results, 
it is her business, by all the intelligence she possesses and 
by every intelligent means within her power, to overcome 
that morbid tendency, to lift the patient out of it, and to 
estabhsh a wholesome attitude of soul with therapeutic 
tendencies and potencies. 

Whenever she finds her patient dwelling upon his 
afflictions it is her business, by every fine of suggestion 
possible, to interest him in fines of constructive thought, 
to teach him the destructive nature of his morbid con- 
dition and to instil in him the value of a therapeutic 
attitude of soul. 

Every patient presents a different problem because 



FAILURE TO EDUCATE PATIENTS 159 

every patient is an individual, unlike any other indi- 
vidual. Therefore, he must be dealt with by the nurse 
as a distinct and individual problem. No set rules can 
be laid down for the government of the nurse in each 
individual instance. It is her business so to study her 
patient as to know definitely every destructive influence 
bearing upon him and to substitute therefore, in her own 
intelHgent way, the constructive attitude and condition. 
This is part of the Personal Responsibility of each and 
every individual nurse, and it is her business to fit herself 
for the discharge of that responsibility. 



CHAPTER XVII 

Failure to Entertain Patients During 
Convalescence 

A charge to which perhaps a majority, or at least a 
large number of us, must plead guilty is that of our 
failure to entertain and interest our patients during 
their period of convalescence and recuperation. 

Many of us have the tendency to shirk our responsi- 
bility along this line, and to feel that after we have carried 
our patients through the crises of their disease we have 
accomphshed our duty and fulfilled our one obligation. 
We usually are tired and weary during the time follow- 
ing our strenuous work, and stretch our conscience by 
feeling justified in taking things "a httle easier." We 
are tempted to leave our patient to his own resources 
of entertainment, or to that of the other members of 
his family. We do the work prescribed by the physician 
and feel that our duty is done, taking for granted 
that the patient himself, or others, will look after his 
entertainment. 

But this is far from true; for, in most cases, the period 
of convalescence and recuperation is the most trying 
to the patient. At such times he needs cheerful com- 
panionship, and intellectual or physical activity to keep 
him from brooding over his unfortunate illness. He re- 
quires constant encouragement and continually must be 
encouraged with the therapeutic faith and Jiope. His 

160 



FAILURE TO ENTERTAIN PATIENTS 161 

time during the day must be employed in various ways 
in order that his life may not become wearisome and 
monotonous to him and lead him to feel that he is a 
nuisance to himself and others. His mind constantly 
must be kept interested in one definite thing that he 
may not be allowed to succumb to the general tempta- 
tion of Self -Pity. In fact, every waking moment of his 
convalescence must be made one of entertainment to him 
by those in charge of his condition that this period may 
not become tedious and monotonous. 

This responsibility falls on the shoulders of the nurse. 
This is part of the obligation she assumes when she takes 
charge of the case. This is her duty — ^to entertain, to 
teach and to educate, as well as to cure. And each nurse, 
if she desires to become successful in her work, must 
learn to discharge this obligation. 

As a rule, the tired nurse, during this period of 
each case, seeks relaxation by reading to herself books, 
magazines, or other available Hterature, merely taking 
care to perform the prescribed duties on time. Perhaps 
she writes letters to her friends, or carries on entertaining 
conversations with the other members of the household 
more interesting to her than is the patient. Or, she 
seeks general relaxation by other means. 

Friends, this is entirely wrong. The time for which 
you are being well paid, and during which you are trusted 
to do your duty, must be devoted to your patient. 
This is one splendid opportunity for service, and you can 
render no greater service than by educating and teaching 
your convalescent in the lines wherein he needs help. 
By your good example you may lead him out of wrong 
attitudes and concepts of life, and inspire him along 
11 



162 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

different and more constructive lines. By a strong 
personal effort you may be able to change the entire 
character and outlook of an individual during the period 
of convalescence alone. 

What greater ser\ace could you render? Is there, 
indeed, a greater ser^^ce? Would not the result be well 
worth the necessary effort ? 

We must remember that by helping others inevitably 
we help ourselves, for the personal effort we put forth in 
the service of others, develops our own soul and strength- 
ens our own Will and Intelhgence. By entering whole- 
heartedly into the effort to entertain our patients we not 
only fulfil our duty but also may find relaxation and 
entertainment, if we but do it in the spirit of cheerfulness 
and good will. 

There are various ways of reheving the tedious hours 
of the convalescent. The literature of today is so varied 
and educational that one is able to find books or maga- 
zines to appeal to any sort of intelhgence or individual 
taste. The nurse should read to her patient and try 
to keep him interested in the theme under consideration 
by discussing different points and asking his opinion 
upon things in general. If possible and expedient, she 
should strive to educate him to a more elevated ideal of, 
and a deeper and broader interest in, better hterature. 

The newspaper usually is a form of entertainment 
for the majority of people. 

If the nurse finds it desirable she might use it as a 
means of educating the patient and helpfully whihng 
away some of the monotonous hours. If the patient is 
able she might render help and at the same time fulfil 
her duty, by answering correspondence for him. She 



FAILURE TO ENTERTAIN PATIENTS 163 

may acknowledge flowers or notes of sympathy. If 
her charge enjoys playing cards, chess, checkers, or other 
games, the nurse should enter wholeheartedly into the 
sport, even though she personally does not care for it. 
She may walk or ride with him, if this is allowable. She 
may give pleasure by rendering, or listening to, music. 

In fact, the nurse should adapt herself to, and enter 
enthusiastically into, any form of work or entertainment 
which appeals to her patient and which will keep his 
mind and body employed during this most trying and 
tedious time of his illness. 

The follow^ing are some suggestions for the entertain- 
ment of patients : 

1. Read books, magazines, newspapers and other 
literature. 

2. Answer correspondence. 

3. Acknowledge flowers and notes of sympathy. 

4. Play games, cards, checkers, chess, etc. 

5. Attend theatres, or interesting lectures, when 
allowable. 

6. Pay calls to friends, patients, etc. 

7. Render, or listen to, music. 

8. Take walks or rides with patient. 

9. Sew, if patient is interested in it. 

10. Study some definite language, or other subject 
with the patient. 

11. Work out picture, or other, puzzles. 

12. Tell stories. 

13. Discuss various topics of interest. 

14. Do outdoor gardening, if patient enjoys it. 

15. Work out various designs in drawing. 

16. Play outdoor games, if possible. 



164 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

17. Do gymnastics, or other exercises. 

In fact, use any and all physical or intellectual means 
to cause diversion and wholesome exercise. 

Every individual has some one pecuKar interest or 
entertainment in his life. It is the nurse's duty to 
strike this dominant chord and, with this in mind, base 
her schemes of entertainment on it in such manner as 
to develop interest along other lines. Let her try dif- 
ferent methods of interesting the patient until she 
discovers the main interesting theme. Then let her 
proceed to work out from that in establishing and 
maintaining interest in different fields. 

This is all part of her work as a healer and helper of 
the sick. This is a part of her obHgation and, if she 
would succeed and be a credit to herself and to her 
profession, she must learn to fulfil this important respon- 
sibility. For it is only through the full discharge of her 
own Personal Responsibility that she ever will travel 
successfully the pathway of individual development 
and personal unfoldment. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

Self-Pity 

Friend, reader, do you understand the significance of 
"Self-Pity?" Have you ever studied and analyzed the 
subject? Did you ever search the confines of your 
inmost soul for traces of it? Has it ever occurred to 
you that this destructive agent may be at the basis of 
some, if not all, of the unhappiness you experience? 

It may prove helpful to stop for a moment at this 
point and seriously answer these questions. It may be 
the reader will discover a spark of light which may 
prove of benefit to her in the years to come. May she 
think well and carefully over the subject, for it is well 
worth any time and effort she may devote to it. 

It may be a revelation to the majority of those in- 
terested to know that the great percentage of all human 
misery is based solely and simply on what is known as 
*^ Self-Pity.'' It probably never has occurred to them 
before. This is true of the majority of mankind. Nev- 
ertheless, the fact remains that, consciously or uncon- 
sciously, Self-Pity is the underlying cause of most of the 
mental suffering of humanity. 

Self-Pity, in its turn, is based on the assumed fact 
that God, or Nature, or the Great Universal Intelligence, 
has treated us unjustly and has failed to give us what we 
consider our just deserts. We feel that we have been 
cheated out of something to which we are rightfully 

165 



166 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

entitled. We carry in our souls the idea that the Great 
Over-Ruhng Intelligence has been cruel and unkind to 
us in withholding something we believe to be ours by- 
natural right. 

With these assumptions in mind, self-pitying individu- 
als continue on their way harboring a grudge against 
the Over-Ruling Intelligence until they become so 
entirely absorbed in their grudge that they fail to see 
good in any of His works. They become sour of dis- 
position and enveloped in misery. Their own troubles 
and sorrows absorb their entire attention. They put 
forth every effort to make known these supposed in- 
justices to others and to lead these along the path which 
they themselves are following. If they see others cheer- 
ful and contented their own misery is increased and they 
become indignant because their companions are deriving 
benefits from life which they are missing. They en- 
deavor to arouse dissatisfaction and to depress the 
spirits of cheerful souls in order to bring them to their 
own level of discontent and unhappiness. This is the 
way of self -pitying souls. 

These individuals radiate a permanent atmosphere 
of discontent, dissatisfaction, disappointment, fault- 
finding and general unhappiness which is deeply dis- 
heartening and depressing to others. This fact alone 
makes a self -pitying attitude of soul morally wrong and 
destructive to the individual who harbors it. It is 
unfair and destructive to himself, but even more so to 
those with whom he comes in contact. 

The attitude of self-pity is a slow, destructive process 
which gradually eats its way into the soul and destroys 
not only physical and mental health, but also cheerful- 



SELF-PITY 167 



ness, faith, courage and noble aspiration. It is a self- 
consuming agent of the virulent, malignant type. Be- 
cause of this it very rightly and appropriately has been 
designated by one author as "Psychological Phthisis." 
Truly it is *^ Consumption of the Soul.'^ 

Self -Pity is a destructive disease, deadly in its results. 
Fortunate, indeed, is the individual who has conquered 
it. Unfortunate, indeed, is the victim of its power. 
Nevertheless, he need not remain its victim if he but 
have the Will and Desire to free himself from its shackles. 
There is a remedy for this malady, as well as for all 
others, if he wills to use it. 

This remedy is Self-Control, and a knowledge and 
exemplification of the principle of Right Use. It is a 
never-failing cure, if earnestly and honestly tried and 
tested. 

Every individual who enters upon this earth plane 
begins life with a full and complete equipment for ful- 
filling his primary purpose of Self-Completion — that is, 
of developing himself equally, physically, spiritually and 
psychically. Nature endows and invests him, at the 
time of his creation, with a physical body, a spiritual 
body, and a complete set of faculties, capacities, and 
powers of the soul, all of which are to serve him in his 
development during this earth life. At the same time. 
Nature places upon that soul the obligation to make 
use of his possessions, or endowments, and to use them 
rightly, all the time, and to the best of his knowledge and 
ability. This is a condition precedent to the gift. 

Nature charges this gift with a definite obligation. 
She demands that each individual fulfil that obligation 
to the very best of his knowledge and ability. Now 



168 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the question arises — if he fails to fulfil the obligation to 
the very best of his knowledge and ability, is he deserv- 
ing of the gift? Any fair and rational individual will 
admit that he deserves it only insofar as he rightly uses 
it for the designated purpose. 

For instance : Suppose you, kind reader, gave a certain 
amount of money to a friend for the definite and specific 
purpose of educating him. At the time the gift was 
made you had in mind the idea, and you so definitely 
state, that it shall be used by your friend for that one 
purpose and for no other. This is a condition prece- 
dent to the gift. You make that fact known to your 
donee at the time. 

Later on, however, you discover that the money is 
being used for purposes entirely foreign to your intent. 
It is being spent for entertainment, for luxuries, or even 
for immoral purposes. Or, perhaps you find that only 
a portion is being used for the original purpose, while 
the remaining portion is being held in reserve, or is 
being squandered. 

Now, in such case, would you, the donor, feel that 
your gift was being rightly used and that your friend 
was deserving of it.f* Would you be willing to continue 
your gift.f^ It is hardly likely that you would. 

So it is with Nature. She presents us a gift at birth 
which is intended for a definite and specific purpose. 
If we fail to use it for that purpose we are undeserving 
of it — if measured by our human standards. We de- 
serve only those gifts which we rightly use, to the best of 
our knowledge and ability, all the time. 

If each one of us were to analyze the possessions and 
endowments which Nature has bestowed upon us; if 



SELF-PITY 169 



we would study our use of these gifts, and whether or 
not we rightly use them all the time; if we would deter- 
mine whether or not we are deserving of the benefits 
which thus have been conferred upon us; and if we 
would do this sincerely, fairly and squarely, it is almost 
inevitable that each one of us would find that we do not 
deserve even half the gifts with which Nature so kindly 
and generously has endowed us. As a result of this 
deep study and honest analysis we would be in position 
to realize the utter futility and injustice of Self-Pity, as 
well as the weakness of character which this destructive 
agent betrays. 

There are many things in life which lead to, and are 
the cause of, Self-Pity. Loneliness, lack of material 
possessions, unsatisfied ambitions, physical deformities, 
unjust accusations, the desire for companionship and 
unrequited affection, are some of these causes. Many 
of these are natural and may be justifiable in one sense. 
But insofar as they are allowed to block the pathway 
to successful soul development and to stand in the way 
of rendering service to others, they become destructive. 
Inasmuch as the majority of individuals allow these 
things to weaken their characters and to consume the 
health of their souls, they become unjustifiable and un- 
worthy. And thus, inevitably they result destructively. 

The remedy is Self-Control and an understanding of 
the principle of Right Use. 

From personal experience and study it has been ob- 
served that Self-Pity is not an infrequent mental disease 
among the members of our profession. It has been 
demonstrated that among this class of women, as well 
as others, Self-Pity is one of the great, underlying 



170 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

causes of unhappiness and discontent. Because of this 
fact the above analysis of the subject is given, in the 
firm hope and abiding faith that it may help the honest 
reader to a happier and better understanding of life and 
its manifold beauties and blessings. 

Nurses frequently succumb to the habit of Self-Pity 
because of the difficult and unpleasant work they have 
to do. Some lament their fate because of the lack of 
social life and companionship in their field of work. 
Others will hold a grudge against the Almighty One 
because they are not duly and properly appreciated and 
do not receive what they consider sufficient compensation 
for the services they render. A few may have physical 
deformities which they believe place a barrier in their 
way to success. Many allow themselves to be depressed 
and unhappy because their associates possess things 
which they desire. In other words, their envy leads 
them to Self-Pity. A large number of nurses live in dis- 
content and inharmony because of their longing for the 
individual love relation, or because of unrequited love. 
Oftentimes they are lonely, and for this reason yield to 
the temptation of Self-Pity. Occasionally we find a 
nurse whose high and mighty ambitions have led her to 
keen disappointment. As a rule, such a one will accuse 
the Over-Ruling Intelligence for her failure and will 
foster her condemnation for years, dwelling continually 
in a maelstrom of discontent. In many cases unsatisfied 
vanity is the cause of much dissatisfaction among nurses. 

In fact, the nursing profession offers every kind and 
phase of excuse for yielding to the temptation of Self- 
Pity, if the individual members are disposed to succumb 
to it. 



SELF-PITY 171 



But, friends, Self-Pity brings with it no benefits to 
either the individual herself, or others. On the contrary, 
it carries with it an atmosphere which surely and inevi- 
tably will cause others to shun her and to escape her 
company whenever possible. It will lead the physicians 
for whom she works to seek the more cheerful disposi- 
tioned nurses who will radiate a constructive atmosphere 
about their patients. It will tend to force her associate 
nurses and outside friends away from her. It will in- 
spire their pity or their contempt, rather than their 
respect. Her superintendent will hesitate to place her 
in positions of responsibility because of the destructive 
and depressing atmosphere she radiates. Moreover, 
and most important, sooner or later she will be forced 
squarely to face the fact that she is a failure in her work 
and a blot upon the profession. 

Perhaps you will wonder why. If so, analyze your- 
self with this destructive agent in mind and you will know 
the reason. 

Remember always, one of the most desirable and im- 
portant traits of a good, successful nurse's character is 
cheerfulness and a wholesome acceptance of the diffi- 
culties, as well as the benefits, of her life and conditions. 

There is a tried and tested cure for SeK-Pity which is 
unfailing in its results. By the application of this 
remedy one is able to reverse the current of his life from 
the destructive to the constructive and to travel the way 
of success rather than that of failure. 

This remedy is Self -Control and an intelligent under- 
standing and appreciation of the essential and inexorable 
principle of Right Use, 

Self-Control ! Right Use ! 



CHAPTER XIX 

Morbidness 

What soul in life's school does not find in his course, 
Hard burdens and lessons, some law to enforce; 
Stern labors, grim duties that spring in his path 
To chafe and distress, mayhap to cause wrath? 

The burdens are carried, the lessons hard gained; 
Sore labors performed, dread duties sustained. 
But the anger, resentment, dark shadows and chides 
Hold the soul's quiet beauty submerged by the tides. 

The true compensations for duties well done. 
Demand of the soul that it give to each one 
Attention, intelligence, alert consciousness. 
Transmuted by love, into true Cheerfulness. 

Morbidness is a comparatively commonplace temp- 
tation in human life. We are all of us more or less 
subject to it at times in our lives, but in some individuals 
it seems to be a part of their general natures — almost 
an inheritance. Some are unconscious victims of the 
plague who spend the greater part of their lives in 
gloom and moodiness. 

Chiefly to these this chapter is written in the hope 
that it may bring more sunshine and contentment into 
their dreary lives. On the other hand, this is a direct 
message to all readers who are subject to the temptation 
herein discussed, whether it be desultory or continuous, 
and who need the lesson to help them on their way of 
constructive self-unfoldment. 

172 



MORBIDNESS 173 



A life of usefulness is made up of responsibilities, 
duties and obligations. Worthless indeed is the life 
which is devoid of them. Every individual who is 
striving to live a constructive life, or who is endeavoring 
to accomplish definite things in life, has certain un- 
avoidable duties and obhgations which he cannot escape. 
He cannot shirk them and win success, for they are a 
part of his life and its responsibilities. 

In almost every conceivable line of work there are 
certain phases which sooner or later become monotonous 
and wearisome. The mechanical work, or the grind of 
repeated duty day after day becomes almost repellent 
and unbearable at times. The same hum-drum per- 
formance of a duty sometimes becomes a disheartener. 
Sometimes we are tempted to break under the strain of 
monotony. We become heart-sick, discouraged, ill- 
tempered and depressed because of it. We lose interest 
in our work, in our fellowmen, in our environment and, 
indeed, in life itself. We begin to falter by the roadside 
of destruction; later we fall by the way and are lost. 

At any rate, these mechanical, monotonous, grinding, 
routine duties must be performed. They can be done 
either in a spirit of resentment, complaint, bitterness, 
protest, depression and morbidness, or in an attitude of 
soul representing peace of mind, contentment, satisfac- 
tion, and brave, cheerful complacency. At this point 
we are given the opportunity of using our independent, 
self-conscious and rational volition. We have the free 
and unhampered right to make our own choice. We are 
thrown back upon ourselves. It rests entirely with us 
to choose the way we go. 

It is a lamentable and sorrowful fact that at this point 



174 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the majority of us fail. We do not bear in mind that 
duty fully performed involves two essential elements: 

1. The mechanical performance of the duty. 

2. The spirit and attitude of soul in which the mechan- 
ical duty is performed. 

The greater number of us believe that if we perform the 
mechanical duty properly our responsibility ceases. 
But herein is made one of the greatest mistakes. Goethe 
says: "If we give all we have, do all we can, yet think 
unkindly, it profits us nothing." If we fulfil an obhga- 
tion in a spirit of protest and complaint the duty is but 
half performed. And far better were it to have left it 
entirely undone. The sooner we grasp this fact the 
sooner will we receive our reward of success; for duties 
must be performed fully to attract and invite success. 
We cannot shirk and reach our goal. 

Herein many of us meet and face defeat. We have 
not learned what constitutes a fully performed duty; 
and so we proceed on our pathway shirking, and incom- 
pletely performing our duties. The spirit of protest, 
complaint, bitterness, resentment and depression follows 
us like a dark shadow, casts its gloomy fight over all our 
duties and labors, and thereby renders them void and 
without profit. We forfeit the internal satisfaction and 
contentment of soul which come as a result of duties 
fully performed. We fail to receive the entire reward for 
performing obHgations in the right spirit of cheerfulness. 

In fact, we waste time and energy in performing 
duties incompletely. We receive small reward therefor 
when, by maintaining the right spirit of Cheerfulness, 
we might fully perform the duty in the same amount of 
time and receive full compensation for it. True it is 



MORBIDNESS 175 



that duties half performed are a waste of valuable time 
and energy. 

Mechanical, monotonous, routine labor constitutes 
one-half the work of nursing. Making beds, giving 
baths, carrying trays and rubbing backs become a most 
monotonous grind when we feel the least depressed. 
But, friends, these duties are a part of the work we, as 
nurses, must perform. They are necessary responsibili- 
ties and insure comfort and relief to our patients. They 
must be performed regardless of how we feel or of the 
spirit in which we do them. Inasmuch as we must 
perform these duties, why not perform them in a spirit 
of cheerfulness and complacency, and receive full reward 
for duties well done, rather than waste the same amount 
of time and energy in performing them, and yet, because 
of a wrong spirit, receive only half reward ^ The inward 
satisfaction and peace of mind resulting from a duty 
fully performed are worth the time employed and the 
energy expended in keeping the right spirit and accom- 
phshing one's work well. 

At some time in his development each individual 
must learn the lesson of Cheerfulness. Each in his 
turn — and this means every nurse — must learn to per- 
form aU duties, pleasant or unpleasant, in the spirit of 
Cheerfulness and Good Will, It is one of Nature's 
lessons in the course of his travels to the goal of Self- 
Completion. He cannot disregard it forever. Inevi- 
tably, sooner or later, he must consider, study, and ap- 
ply the lesson. Why not begin today.? 

It is only when the nurse learns to apply and practise 
this essential principle of Nature in her work of nursing 
that she is able to radiate a wholesome, constructive 



176 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

atmosphere about her patients. It is only by perform- 
ing all her duties, pleasant or unpleasant, easy or 
difficult, monotonous, entertaining, or interesting, in 
the spirit of true Cheerfulness that she proves worthy of 
greater responsibilities and opens the gateway to success. 

It is by this cheerful compliance with duty that she 
attracts and wins the confidence of physicians, superin- 
tendents, patients and associates. By this attitude she 
gains the cheerful companionship of other souls, which 
tends to lighten her burdens and create sunshine in her 
sometimes monotonous life. This consistent spirit of 
Cheerfulness unlocks the door to success, opens wide 
the gateway and proves an open sesame to her ideals of 
life and of the profession. 

We all must learn this lesson. Like all worthy attain- 
ments, it is difficult. It keeps us continually cHmbing 
a steep, rough and narrow road. But at the end of our 
difficult and up-grade pathway gleams a beautiful light 
which heralds success, individual achievement and self- 
unfoldment. Here Mother Nature envelops us in a 
mantle of Self-Satisfaction, Self-Content and Self- 
Respect, as a beautiful reward for temptation overcome 
and duty dully performed. She never fails to show due 
appreciation nor to give ample reward for all personal 
effort put forth. 

This reward each individual has awaiting him when he 
has learned to fulfil his duties in the spirit of true Cheer- 
fulness; for, 

"No duty, however, is fully performed, 
In a manner to help or to bless. 

Till the soul that performs it is tempered and warmed 
By the spirit of true Cheerfulness ." 



CHAPTER XX 

Moral Laxity- 
Moral Laxity, as the term is used herein, means " Devi- 
ation from moral rectitude; state or quality of being 
morally lax, or loose; want of strictness or exactness.'* 
It applies to the deviation from one's own standards and 
ideals of morality. 

Moral obliquity has proven itself a subtle, pertinacious 
and persistent temptation in the nursing profession. 
Its manifestation under the sobriquet of "frankness,** 
"ingenuousness," "candor," and "naivete** has been so 
clever that it has come to be accepted by a good many 
women in the nursing profession as a legitimate right, 
privilege or prerogative of nurses in general. A large 
number of the devotees of the medical profession accept 
this Moral Remissness, or assumed "artlessness, ** as a 
heralding badge to be worn by members of the profession. 
This remissness is, in truth, a heralding badge. Its 
heralding, however, is not of honor, self-respect and 
success, but of disgrace, dishonor and failure to its 
wearers. Its proclamation is of derogation and depreca- 
tion to the entire profession. 

The nursing profession presents various causes for the 
moral looseness so often found among its members. 
These causes are ever present, but are no excuse for self- 
indulgence. For, if an individual will keep his conscious- 
ness alert and awake, and if he truly desires to hew to his 
12 177 



178 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

line of moral rectitude, he will consider the final result 
of these causes a temptation, and will avoid it. 

The following are some of these underlying causes: 

1. In the work of nursing frankness, openness and 
candor are supposedly essential to the welfare of the 
patient, to the success of the physician in fighting dis- 
ease, to the good reputation of the hospital, and to the 
well-being and progress of the nurse herself. This 
candid straightforwardness of speech and manner usually 
is expected of a woman who has entered this field of 
work. In many cases it is demanded by the physician. 

The effort to fulfil this demand often leads a nurse 
unconsciously to develop a habit of speaking and acting 
in the so-called "frank" manner under any and all 
circumstances. In her desire to be candid and open she 
often is led to speak of delicate matters in an obtuse, 
bald way which is shocking and often very offensive. 
She comes to believe it unnecessary to clothe these deli- 
cate subjects in such well-chosen language as to render 
them inoffensive to the most sensitive people. In her 
duty of frankness and conciseness she becomes coarse and 
repulsive. In her struggle for eflSciency she begins to let 
down in her ideals of morality and moral conduct. She 
becomes lenient of this remission in her associates. She 
tends to Moral Laxity, 

It is necessary and important at all times for a nurse 
to clothe her speech and manner with such delicacy as 
to render any talk and any act acceptable to any indi- 
vidual or to any group of individuals. The Engfish lan- 
guage is well supplied with a large variety of words and 
synonyms which will enable any person — doctor or 
nurse — to speak of any natural physical function, or 



MORAL LAXITY 179 

equipment, in such manner as to be entirely wholesome, 
and practical, and acceptable. There are many methods 
and devious ways by which any examination, treatment 
or operation, can be performed as to render it unem- 
barrassing and inoffensive to all concerned. 

Any physician who deprecates this, claims it unneces- 
sary, advises against "false modesty, " or scoffs at deli- 
cacy, would do well to remember that he has much to 
learn before he will reach his goal of success. He has to 
learn that he never will gain the confidence, trust and 
respect of his patient, his attending nurses, his assistants 
or his associates, until he eliminates from himself the 
bald, blunt and distasteful manifestations of *' perfectly 
natural things," whether in speech or in actions. 

2. This assumed necessity for bald, straightforward, 
plain English words or actions, is so generally accepted 
by physicians and nurses in the realm of their work, 
and is apparently so well understood among them, that 
almost unconsciously a nurse reaches the point where 
she deems it unnecessary to speak or act otherwise.' 
She ceases to exert any effort in manifesting modesty 
of speech or manner. In her estimation this becomes 
unnecessary. She becomes loose in her ideals of dehcacy 
and modesty, and continues on in this way until she 
becomes morally lax in her speech and conduct. Almost 
unconsciously she begins to expect the same from others 
both in and out of the profession. She leans toioard 
Moral Remissness, 

If an individual must associate with, and Hve in the 
environment of, people who have become lax in their 
ideals and ideas of morality, this gives him absolutely no 
license, and neither does it become his privilege or pre- 



180 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



rogative to lower himself to their level. It does not 
excuse him from conforming strictly and definitely to his 
own standards and ideals of the good and the beautiful. 
It does not release him from his obligation to live his 
own life according to his own best knowledge and ability. 
Neither does it exempt him from Personal Responsibility. 
In future this will not palliate the just punishment for 
violation of his own ideals and standards; for he must be 
able to maintain his own equilibrium at all times, and 
even "in the midst of a hostile environment." Because 
of association and environment he cannot deviate from 
the straight and narrow path of his ideals and standards 
without conjuring to himself a just punishment, severe 
discipline and poignant suffering. 

3. The unavoidable necessity for grouping nurses to- 
gether in the freedom and familiarity of home life very 
frequently leads to a loss of womanly modesty and digni- 
fied reserve among the nurses. The consciousness that 
a nurse lives among those of her own sex who are candid, 
frank, and cognizant of the *' naturalness of the physical 
body," often prompts her to put aside "false modesty" 
and to be perfectly free and unhampered in her speech 
and manner in the nurse's home. She becomes accus- 
tomed to living with her associates who reciprocate her 
freedom and openness; and before she knows, she expects 
outside friends not only to understand and accept this 
freedom and familiarity but also to respond in like 
manner. 

Her free and easy association with her fellow nurses 
is prone to break down her womanly reserve and natural 
modesty. Her assiduity in cUnging to ideals of modesty 
begins to abate as a result. She is inclined to think she 



MORAL LAXITY 181 

has been too "persnickety;" that this is unnecessary 
when one understands "the naturalness of the physical 
body." She wonders what is the use. And forthwith 
the foundation is laid for Moral Lenity, 

There is a certain amount of modesty and reserve 
inherent in every true woman. This normal amount 
of delicacy, chastity and reticence is the asset which 
makes of her a charming, womanly woman. It is her 
blessing and sacred gift from the Creator which makes 
her different and apart from men. It is her gift by 
natural right and should be held sacred by her under all 
circumstances and conditions. However familiar and 
close may be her surroundings and associations she 
never should allow this restraining wall of modesty and 
reserve to be broken down and trampled upon. This 
reticence and delicacy should be maintained always as 
her protecting partition between the coarse ribaldry of 
undue familiarity and the refined purity of her sanctum 
sanctorum. She should guard this wall with all the 
power of her being; for it is her sole protection against 
the entrance of coarseness, indelicacy, immodesty and 
uncleanness in her own private, inner Temple. She 
should strive ever to strengthen this barrier by clinging 
rigidly and pertinaciously to her ideals and standards 
of morality and moral conduct. 

4. The mechanical, conventional work of nursing 
deals almost entirely with the physical body. The ma- 
jority of nurses, particularly during their course of train- 
ing, are taught only the art of caring for the phys^ical 
body. Their work and study rest entirely on the plane 
of the physical, as the only realm to be considered. 

Because of this fact a large number of nurses in train- 



182 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

ing become rank materialists. They lose sight entirely 
of the higher aspect of life. They forget the spiritual 
and psychical planes of existence, and overlook the fact 
that the physical body is merely an instrument of the 
soul. They become half disgusted with life and all that 
goes to make up life. 

This is a perfectly natural sequence; for existence on 
the purely physical plane, with no higher life in view, 
simply spells a void and a discouragement. Constant 
association and dealing with the physical body, with 
all its decay, disease and destruction, do not offer an 
encouraging outlook. It is almost inevitable that, with- 
out a higher spiritual view of Hfe, one would fall into the 
attitude of disgust for the physical body. This disgust 
naturally would lead one to be somewhat lax in his speech 
and conduct. Many nurses find themselves disgusted 
with the physical; and without knowledge they manifest 
their disgust in coarse, undignified and unrefined lan- 
guage. They fall a victim to Moral Laxity. 

It will serve every nurse well on her way to success if 
she will endeavor always to keep in her mind and soul the 
consciousness of a higher life. She will gain much com- 
fort in her work if she will remember that the physical 
body is merely an instrument through which the indi- 
vidual soul and intelligence manifest on this physical 
plane of life. She will do well to establish the faith in a 
future, higher life on the spiritual plane where the soul 
can continue to unfold and develop its latent powers. 
These facts constantly kept in mind will enable her to 
nurse and care for the poor, diseased physical bodies of 
her fellowmen, without developing the sense of disgust; 
for she will realize that she is nursing the physical 



MORAL LAXITY 183 



instrument of an individual, intelligent and human soul. 
This higher ideal will lift and hold her far above the 
purely physical plane and will help her to cHng closely 
and assiduously to her ideals and standards of morality 
and moral conduct. 

These four causes lead to one effect — Moral Laxity — 
which is a temptation to be met and overcome by the 
principles of a Wakeful Consciousness y Will and Self- 
Control, 

We might liken the individual to a piano. The 
strings of this musical instrument represent its different, 
individual tones. When each string is strung to its 
proper tension and held in this position the combination 
of tones produces and represents the harmony of the 
instrument. If even one of these strings becomes lax 
and is loosened below its proper tension immediately 
the tones become lowered, the harmony is destroyed 
and the result is discord and inharmony. The effect is 
displeasing to the listener. 

The same holds true of the individual. He himself 
is the instrument. The strings of the instrument repre- 
sent the different ideals and standards of the individual's 
life. When these strings are held in constructive tension 
they produce the harmony, euphony and beauty of his 
being. If any, or even one, of these strings becomes 
slack immediately this harmony and beauty are de- 
stroyed and we find discord and inharmony in his being. 
The result is annoying to his associates. 

If we allow these strings, which represent our ideals 
of morality and conduct, to become lax immediately we 
destroy the harmony and beauty of our moral nature. 



184 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

We become coarse, undesirable and inharmonious to 
those with whom we must associate. 

In the face of temptation and at all times we must 
keep our moral strings normally taut, that the symphony 
of our beings may be harmonious, beautiful and inspir- 
ing to all with whom we come in contact. 

There is a certain class of women in the nursing pro- 
fession who look upon bald, frank candor as a legitimate 
privilege or prerogative of any woman who enters this 
field of work. These women develop the idea that such 
frankness and candor should be accepted by all people, 
both in and out of the profession. They think moral 
obliquity right and justifiable and take for granted that 
others will think likewise. 

There is another class who use this sophistry of frank- 
ness and candor as a license for their own looseness of 
morals and conduct. These endeavor to expose their 
own true state of moral coarseness under the sobriquet 
of "professional straightforwardness." They hope to 
have their nonobservance of decency overlooked by the 
general public by feigning "purity of mind." They 
strive to worm along in society by holding as their 
maxim "Unto the pure all things are pure." But in- 
evitably they fail; for their true inner coarseness and 
moral laxity inevitably are sensed and observed by the 
general public, and are abhorred and despised by it. 

Again, there are women who use the assumed profes- 
sional frankness as a tonic to their vanity. These 
women revel in attracting attention to themselves. Any 
methods or means are used by them to conjure flattery. 
They seek to shock society in any possible manner that 
it may turn its attention to them. Bald frankness. 



MORAL LAXITY 185 

vulgar language and crude manners are used as a possible 
way of attracting this attention. Under the guise of a 
nurse's naivete they indulge in this phase of moral 
laxity and thereby gain the desired attention of society. 

Other women, usually those who are sincere and 
honest, in some way or other become advocates of this 
theory: The physical body and all its parts are but a 
scheme of Nature, and therefore, are perfectly natural. 
Since this is true, it is only natural that nurses, and in 
fact everybody, should speak of the body in a free and 
candid manner. Why should one not expose the body 
freely at any and all times ? Why should it be necessary 
to resort to "false modesty.?" These women become 
physical materialists, and by virtue of this subtle but 
specious reasoning they become vulgar, morally lax and 
undesirable, even though they are honest and sincere 
in their sophistry. Unconsciously they loosen their 
strings of harmony. 

A certain few fool themselves by saying: "If one has 
high ideals and standards as the basis of living, this is 
all that is necessary. The outward manner or speech 
indicates nothing; therefore, I will speak and act as I 
please." These women simply lack nice discernment 
and suJEcient refinement, and do themselves damage. 
They are Morally Lax. 

Whatever the idea or form of reasoning. Moral Laxity 
manifested in the speech and manner of nurses, is deroga- 
tory to the nursing profession, and invites adverse 
public opinion and criticism, and is unwholesome. 

x\n experience similar to the following illustration no 
doubt has been witnessed by almost every nurse who has 
graduated from a training school: 



186 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

A female patient has been admitted to the hospital for 
a physical examination. Two physicians are admitted 
to the room, each to make his examination and to 
give his diagnosis of the case. The patient previously 
has been draped and prepared by the nurse for the 
examination. 

The first physician is of the unrefined type who be- 
lieves in the "naturalness of the physical body," and 
abhors "false modesty." After sufficient preparation 
he advances to the patient, tears away the draping, 
exposes her entirely to the view of aU present, and 
proceeds with his work, oblivious to the woman's embar- 
rassment. In plain, bald language he describes the 
condition to aU present, and states his diagnosis, treat- 
ment and prognosis. He steps aside in a crude and 
self-important manner, leaving the exposed patient in 
a state of mental disturbance which aggravates her 
physical condition, and in an attitude of disgust toward 
the doctor. Following this experience she continues 
to think of this physician ^as an unrefined, a vain and 
disgusting man, not worthy to bear the noble name of 
physician. 

The second doctor, a refined, careful, considerate and 
clean-minded man, proceeds with his examination. He 
asks the nurse to redrape the patient carefuUy, and 
assures the latter, in gentle tones, that she has nothing 
to fear. The examination is completed without the 
shghtest embarrassment to the patient or to the assist- 
ing nurse. After covering the patient the physician 
steps aside and states in quiet, refined and well-chosen 
language his version of the condition, its treatment and 
prognosis. The patient's mind is unruffled, save from 



MORAL LAXITY 187 

the effects of the previous examination, and she has in 
her soul a deep sense of gratitude and respect for her 
second examiner. She judges him a gentleman and 
feels confidence not only in his knowledge but in his 
purity of mind and his considerateness in embarrassing 
situations. Her mind is in a wholesome, constructive 
attitude which is conducive to health. 

If this little woman had been unfortunate in her 
experience, by having both examiners of this cold, bald 
and unrefined type, without a doubt her estimate of the 
medical profession, as well as of the individuals, would 
have been most undesirable and derogatory. 

This same illustration applies to nurses. The crude, 
inconsiderate, vulgar and thoughtless nurse who is an ad- 
vocate of the "naturalness " theory, inevitably produces 
an injurious effect upon the refined, delicate patient. 
She not only hampers the welfare of the patient, but 
casts a reflection upon herself and upon the profession. 
On the other hand, the refined, modest and considerate 
nurse produces a constructive, wholesome attitude of 
mind in her patient, and establishes in her mind a high 
and worthy estimate of the nursing profession. 

This considerate thoughtfulness, modesty and refine- 
ment are well worth the effort of any and all nurses for 
their own welfare and success, as well as for the welfare 
and success of their profession. Every nurse should 
bear this in mind and exemplify it. 

One of the great difficulties of nurses is their failure 
to differentiate between the ethics and conventions of 
their chosen profession and those of outside society in 
general. They lack discernment in keeping professional 
problems and ethics within the boundaries of the pro- 



188 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

fession, and vice versa. They fail to discern the hne of 
demarcation between the profession and society. In 
other words, they intermingle their professional lives 
too closely with their lives in society. 

This is a grave mistake. For, the conventions of 
society are far more rigid, exacting and exclusive than 
are those of the profession. The free, frank and candid 
speech and manner of the professional life and associa- 
tion are sure to be misunderstood, criticized and excluded 
from the life and association of society. The ethics 
and conventions of the profession are certain to be 
tabooed by society. 

To insure success to herself and her profession a nurse 
must be thoughtful and considerate of the conventions 
of the general public. She must make herself acceptable 
to society by applying herself to the exemplification of 
its conventions. If she is to prove herself a success in 
her work and a helper to her fellowmen she must render 
herself desirable to all classes and types of people by 
adapting herself wholeheartedly to their conditions and 
circumstances of life. 

For these reasons every nurse must keep constantly 
in mind the dividing line between the profession and 
society, if she wishes to succeed in her work. Either 
she must play two parts, by continuing her frank, bald 
candor in the profession and relegating this to the back- 
ground when in society, or she must conduct herself 
always in a refined, womanly manner in her professional 
work, as well as in her society association. No person 
can play a dual part for any length of time without 
being discovered in his deception. No nurse can con- 
duct herself in her dual role of professional crudeness 



MORAL LAXITY 189 

and society refinement without, sooner or later, being 
discovered and disgraced. Because of this fact, it is 
far wiser and safer for a woman in the nursing profession 
to practise nicety, refinement and culture in her every- 
day life and work, that she may be equipped gracefully 
to do likewise when associating with the general public. 

The ability to take her place in society gracefully, 
wholeheartedly and unconspicuously, is a valuable asset 
to a nurse in her work. Her dignified, womanly self-pos- 
session at all times, in society and out of it, is a potent 
factor in gaining the good will, respect and confidence 
of the general public, the physicians, patients and associ- 
ates. It is highly conducive to success in her chosen 
field of work. 

Society and profession cannot be intermingled success- 
fully. It is largely because of this lack of discernment 
on the part of physicians and nurses that the medical 
profession and all its helpers have been so severely criti- 
cised and so harshly judged by the general public in the 
past. It has been this Moral Laxity which has brought 
down derogation upon a worthy and noble work. 

Within the past year — 1917 — the United States 
Government has made a scientific investigation to 
determine "the occupations most hazardous to women's 
spiritual welfare, and the causes for their downfall." 
The following is quoted from the investigating com- 
mittee's report: 

"The investigators discovered from their investi- 
gations that the five most hazardous occupations, in the 
order of their danger, are (1) domestic service, (2) work 
of hotel or restaurant waitress, (3) low-grade factory 
trades, (4) trained nursing, (5) stenographic positions." 



190 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

It continues: "In the government's inquiry into the 
moral hazards of various women's occupations, it was with 
surprise they found that of the trained nurse to be fourth 
dangerous in the list. A profession which demands such 
self-sacrifice, which enforces long hours of the hardest, 
most nerve-racking work, and which calls into play the 
noblest and highest motives, would not seem to be a 
soil in which the seed of evil could flourish." 

Why is this.f^ What are the underlying causes? 

One principal and underlying cause is this: Moral 
Laxity is such a common fault among the members of 
the nursing profession that it has come to be misunder- 
stood, among a certain class of men of the world, for 
true moral weakness on the part of the nurses. It has 
been taken advantage of on this score. These men 
have come to look upon all nurses as morally lax, and 
endeavor to break down any reserve on the part of a 
nurse, by various means. A nurse, subject to these 
various, insidious temptations, is very liable to let 
down morally, unless she is positive and decisive in 
hewing to her ideals of morality. One break-down 
paves the way for subsequent ones. As a result, the 
tempter finds his judgment has been correct. 

Moral Laxity is one of the essential reasons why 
the government, in its investigations, has found the 
work of nursing to be fourth on the list of hazardous 
occupations. 

The altruistic nurse who desires to help her fellow- 
men and to serve humanity, must exempHfy, at all 
times, a high and lofty standard of morality, which may 
shine as a beacon light to all with whom she comes in 
contact. The sincere nurse who desires to develop and 



MORAL LAXITY 191 

unfold her own soul powers must cleave diligently to her 
own ideas and ideals of morality in speech and manner. 
The conscientious and ambitious nurse who hopes to 
travel the road to success, must keep solid and strong 
her natural, protecting barrier of reserve and modesty, 
at all times and under all conditions. The womanly 
nurse who strives to be a credit and a living monument 
to her worthy and laudable profession, as well as to her 
noble sex, must hew assiduously to the line of morality 
and moral conduct in her everyday life and in all her 
deahngs with her fellowmen. 

In other words, the altruistic, sincere, conscientious, 
and womanly nurse must keep the musical strings of her 
moral life and conduct taut and in high pitch, that the 
symphony of her life may be harmonious and melifluous, 
beautiful and inspiring, to herself and all her associates 
in the profession and out of it. It is her Personal 
Responsibility to keep herself harmoniously attuned 
with the Constructive Principle of Nature in Individual 
Life. 

The Wakeful Consciousness y the Will and Self-Con- 
trol are the instruments of her tuning outfit. Her 
process is the rational, voluntary, intelligent and pur- 
poseful direction and control of these instruments. 

The results of all her tuning are a never-ending and 
an ever-increasing joy and satisfaction; for, 

"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her; for 
it is her privilege, through all the years of this our 
earthly life, to lead from joy to joy.'* 



CHAPTER XXI 

Vanity 

Who among us, even in the nursing profession, is free 
from Vanity — either Personal or Intellectual? "Let 
him who is without sin cast the first stone." 

''Personal Vanity is self-admiration of personal appear- 
ance. It is undue admiration of one's form, figure, face, 
dress, decoration, ornamentation, personal possessions 
and material belongings. It stimulates in us the craving 
desire for the admiration, the homage and the applause 
of others as to our personal appearance." 

''Intellectual Vanity is unjustifiable admiration of 
one's own intelligence or intellectual attainments. It 
impels us to seek the admiration and the applause of 
others as to our intellectual brilliancy, wit, humor, knowl- 
edge, judgment and intellectual superiority over others." 

The above definitions, when studied and applied, will 
give any individual ample subject for thought and 
self-analysis in answer to the above question. 

Vanity is a universal temptation to both men and 
women. While it is true that the majority of men suffer 
from Intellectual Vanity, and the majority of women are 
victims of Personal Vanity, still it is not infrequent that 
we find the deepest personal vanity in men, and vice 
versa. This is not a fixed rule. Both kinds of Vanity 
are a temptation to both sexes. The general impulse 
back of it is for the admiration and applause of our 

192 



VANITY 193 



associates, and of the public. We are all, in more or 
less degree, victims of the temptation. 

Vanity expresses itself in many forms. The following 
are some of these: 

Self- Consciousness, self-conceit, self-praise, self-glori- 
fication, self-complacency, self-sufficiency, self-admira^ 
tion, self-love and egotism. 

It manifests outwardly in arrogance, haughtiness, 
disdain, arbitrariness, impertinence, boastfulness, super- 
ciliousness, imperiousness, audacity and dogmatism. 

Vanity, in any and all of its forms, is an expression of 
the most extreme Selfishness. This phase of Selfishness 
will be gratified regardless of anybody and anything. 
This kind of Selfishness, back of Vanity, leaves no room 
for thoughtful consideration of others. It is all for its 
own glorification, pleasure and gain. 

Vanity, in any of its phases, leads first to Greed and 
Selfishness, then to Dishonesty and Immorality. The 
deeply vain person desires first admiration and applause. 
He longs for anything which will please his Vanity and 
supply admiration, flattery and commendation. He 
becomes Greedy. He then submits to dishonest or 
immoral means and methods to gratify his Greed. He 
travels the downward road to the North from Vanity 
to Selfishness, from Selfishness to Greed, from Greed to 
Dishonesty and from Dishonesty to Immorality — all 
for the purpose of acquiring food for his Vanity. 

One writer says: "Vanity, Selfishness, Greed, Dis- 
honesty, Immorality. That tells the entire story in all 
its simplicity." 

Because Vanity involves Selfishness, Greed, Dis- 
honesty and Immorality — all of which are destructive 

13 



194 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

to individual life and success — it is destructive in the 
deepest sense, and should be eliminated from the charac- 
ter of every conscientious soul. It is destructive to indi- 
vidual unfoldment and development, and it is destruc- 
tive to any work with which the vain one is associated. 
For this reason Vanity should be eliminated from the 
nurse's character that it may save her, as well as her 
profession, criticism, harsh judgment and ultimate 
failure. 

Personal Vanity, when found in the nursing profession, 
disquahfies and incapacitates a nurse for successful, 
conscientious work, because Vanity absorbs her attention 
and causes neglect of duty. It leads her to Procrastina- 
tion and Indolence. To a greater or lesser degree, it 
relegates her work to the background. It renders her 
duties incomplete because of diversified attention — for 
no duty or task is completely accomplished unless full 
and undivided attention is given to it. Her heart, soul 
and mind are diverted constantly by thoughts of Selfy 
and therefore only half her interest is in her work while 
the other haK, consciously or unconsciously, is off seek- 
ing admiration. Her attention is divided; her work is 
incomplete; therefore, she is unsuccessful as a nurse. 

Perhaps the most common manifestations of Intel- 
lectual Vanity among nurses are Dogmatism and Domi- 
nation. It is Vanity which prompts nurses to be dog- 
matic in making presumptuous, authoritative and 
arrogant statements concerning the work which are not 
based on facts, but on their opinions and ideas. It is 
Vanity which leads them to dominate over their patients, 
junior nurses and inferior help. It is this Vanity which 
impels them to resent criticism of any kind from any 



VANITY 195 



body. It is likewise Vanity which incites them to refuse 
any and all suggestions, whether helpful or otherwise, 
from their inferiors. 

No person has the moral right to dogmatize, in speech 
or manner, to any individual on any subject. It is un- 
complimentary, and betrays Intellectual Vanity. It 
invites resentment and ridicule, and repels confidence 
and respect. It calls forth destructive impulses in 
associates and creates an inharmonious atmosphere in 
the surroundings. 

This applies to the dogmatic nurse, as well as to all 
other dogmatists. 

The domineering nurse who wields her bludgeon of 
authority.^ over the heads of her patients, junior nurses, 
or other help under her charge, invites only resentment, 
contempt, disrespect and antipathy. Her unkind 
methods of domination lead only to barriers of obstinacy, 
stubbornness and anger. Her lack of politeness and 
civility leads her into dark and deep pitfalls. 

Authority increases responsibility. A nurse's au- 
thority increases her responsibilities and opportunities 
to help and serve her inferiors or associates. It gives 
her no licence to dominate those under her charge. If 
she misuses her opportunities and responsibilities she 
violates the Law of Right Use, and subjects herself to 
the just and inevitable punishment resulting from such 
violation. She invites the humiliation of forfeiting the 
good will, kind thoughts and loving confidences of her 
associates and patients, and invokes their deepest 
contempt, their caustic resentment and their profound 
disrespect. 

The nurse who resents the kind criticism of her pro- 



196 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

fessional superiors, or even inferiors, brands herself a 
victim of Intellectual Vanity. She indicates that she 
holds herself above any fault which permits of criticism. 
She manifests her high and mighty regard of Self. 

This type of nurse inevitably will suffer much humilia- 
tion on her way to success, for she will not only receive 
double criticism, but will be ridiculed and held in dis- 
gust by her superiors, and shunned by her inferiors. 
She will have a long and strenuous road ahead of her 
until she learns to control this phase of her Intellectual 
Vanity, 

The nurse who refuses and prohibits suggestions from 
her patients, junior nurses, or, in fact, any so-called 
inferiors, proves herself a selfish, ignorant and vain 
person. She is ignorant because she does not recognize, 
or admit, that many helpful and valuable suggestions 
may be received from those who are one's intellectual 
and professional inferiors. She is selfish because she 
will not come out of her shell of Egotism sufficiently to 
appreciate the kind spirit which prompted the suggestion, 
and does not credit nor encourage the thoughtfulness 
and generosity of her fellowman. She is vain inasmuch 
as she feels herself too superior in her "deep knowledge" 
to accept any suggestions from inferiors. 

Such nurse, if ever she accomplishes her ultimate aim, 
never will reach her goal of success without incurring 
the enmity of her many so-called inferiors. Their un- 
kind, unwholesome and resentful thoughts will follow 
her and often will act as formidable barriers on the path- 
way to attainment. Their contempt and criticism will 
maintain for years as a dark cloud o'ershadowing her 
otherwise bright journey to success. If ever she reaches 



VANITY 197 



her goal she will not be content, for always her soul will 
be hampered by the consciousness of her selfishness, and 
of the enemies she has made. This remembrance will 
follow her through all the years of her work — "It is not 
only a question of getting a thing, but the way in which 
you get it and the impressions you leave after getting it, 
which bring contentment and peace of soul." 

Vanity, personal or intellectual, in all its forms and 
phases, proves destructive. Whatever its manifestation, 
it invites criticism, ridicule, contempt, resentment, dis- 
respect and lack of confidence — all of which stand in 
the way of service. These results inevitably prove 
themselves barriers to content of soul and success in 
work and lead to ultimate Unhappiness and Failure! 

Is Vanity worth while? Is it constructive? 

In the field of nursing where Vanity is so undesirable, 
it will behoove every nurse to analyze herself carefully 
for traces of this temptation. It will serve her well if 
she will determine to eliminate these traces from her 
soul before they lead her along "paths that are devious 
and ways that are vain." If she will strive earnestly 
and conscientiously to overcome the destructive agent in 
herself she may avoid many humiliating barriers and 
stumbling blocks on her journey which might otherwise 
prove troublesome and formidable. 

Instead of being dogmatic in her speech and manner, 
if the nurse will be gentle, kind and persuasive in her 
statements and actions, she will save herself many 
embarrassments and will invite the friendship of her 
associates. If she will be kind but firm rather than 
harsh and domineering in her dealings with her helpers 
and patients, she will gain their esteem, love and confi- 



198 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

dence, and possible opportunities for service. If she 
will accept all kind criticisms in a graceful, dignified 
and receptive spirit of appreciation she will demand 
not only the respect of her criticizers, but will be better 
equipped to improve herself and her work by virtue of 
her self-knowledge. If she will accept all suggestions 
from her superiors and inferiors, in and out of the work, 
she will prove herself a broad, unselfish and humble 
soul and will profit by acquiring added experience and 
knowledge. A bootblack has been known to impart 
knowledge to a king. 

Vanity can be eliminated from one's character by 
Self -Analysis, the Wakeful ConsciousnesSy the exercise 
of Will, the exemplification of Humility — the kind of 
Humility which means due appreciation of one's abilities, 
advantages and limitations without ostentation — and 
the assiduous practice of rigid Self-Control. 

Vanity is destructive. It is the essence of Selfishness. 
It is "Psychological Poison." It must be overcome!!! 



CHAPTER XXII 

Fear 

Fear is ^'Psychological Refrigeration.^^ Its results are 
destructive. Its only remedy is Self-Control. 

The most intense manifestations of Fear are fright, 
dread, terror, horror, dismay, alarm, anxiety and 
consternation. 

Its minor phases and forms are despondency, diffi- 
dence, suspicion, bashfulness, apprehension and timidity. 

All are forms of Fear; each, in its own way, causes 
destruction. Each results in nervous disorder and 
psychological paralysis. The intense phages produce 
immediate destructive results of nervous and mental 
paralysis, and often physical death. The minor degrees 
work more slowly in their tearing down, but inevitably 
result in the same destruction and havoc. In any of 
its forms Fear is a destructive force and process. 

Any force, process, or emotion which shocks the 
physical organism may cause a temporary, suspended 
animation, or even sudden death. The process of 
freezing the physical body, for instance, causes paralysis 
of the nervous system, disorganization and disintegra- 
tion of the tissues and cells. It prevents functioning 
in the frozen parts. It suspends animation in such 
parts. Often it causes physical death. It is destruc- 
tive to the physical organism. 

In the same manner any force, process or emotion 

199 



200 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

which shocks the mind or soul may cause a temporary- 
suspension in that part, or even death. 

It has been discovered by modern psychologists that 
Fear is a process analogous to that of freezing. Its 
effect on the psychic nature is like that of freezing. Its 
results are paralysis, disorganization and disintegration. 
For this reason it has been designated ''Psychological Re- 
frigeration." It is destructive to the psychic organism. 

There is probably no person who, at some time or 
other in his life, has not experienced the results of an 
intense fear. If he will recall the experience he will 
remember that his nerves seemed paralyzed; that his 
body seemed numb and chilled; the will-powder seemed 
suspended; the mind refused to work and the soul itself 
seemed dead; for he had no consciousness or internal 
feeling. In short, he seemed paralyzed. Then follow- 
ing the experience, when the paralysis had worn off, he 
was left in a state of turmoil, unrest and "nerves." 

If he will remember, the fright rendered him incapable 
of rational thought or act. It hindered him in his effort 
to protect himself from the object of his fear. His phys- 
ical numbness proved a stumbling-block to him if he 
had been capable of rational thought. His Will was 
suspended — he had no mental force. He was exposed 
to the object of his danger and fear, and was unable to 
help himself. The after-effects resulted in an enormous 
discharge of vital energy and force which was entirely 
wasted, for they accomplished nothing. The condition 
of his nerves consumed energy. His turmoil and unrest 
destroyed concentration of power. 

If, in the very inception of his fear, the impulse had 
been controlled, he would have avoided all the paralysis. 



FEAR 201 



the temporary suspension, and the undesirable after- 
effects. He would, or could, have converted his energies 
and powers, his mind, soul and physical body, into the 
work of overcoming, avoiding, or mastering the object 
of his fear. He might have transmuted a destructive 
impulse into a constructive force, and thereby strength- 
ened his powers of resistance and self-control for similar 
future experiences. He would have put forth an effort 
in harmony with the work of Evolutionary Unfoldment 
and Spiritual Growth. He would have maintained a 
constructive attitude of soul. 

The story of Daniel in the lion's den illustrates the 
wonderful potency of Self -Control in the time of danger. 
We all of us probably remember the story of how Daniel 
was cast into the den of lions to be devoured; and how, 
following a few moments of quiet, the lions cowed down, 
leaving Daniel unhurt. 

Daniel apparently was a man who understood the 
power of his Self -Control and Will. When he entered 
the den we are told his complete self-possession was a 
marvel to the spectators. He entered erect, calm and 
composed. He showed not the least sign of fear, and 
maintained absolute control over his mental faculties, 
his nervous system and his physical organism. His 
hands were tied, but his mind and soul were free. The 
impulse of fear was not allowed by him to cause paralysis 
or suspension. He transmuted the impulse into a con- ^, 

structive effort to convey to the wild animals that he t^ ^ L ^ 
was their friend and master, and unafraid. With per- 
fect Self-Control he stood gazing at them, conveying 
to them, through his Will, his power over them. xA.ll 
wild animals are noted for their astute psychic sense. Y^t^^ 



202 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Through this sense the animals reaHzed the man's 
mastery and potency over them, and stood aghast, in 
awe of him. They cowed down with no attempt at de- 
vouring him. He stood unattacked and unhurt. 

This incident proved the mastery of perfect Self- 
Control in overcoming danger. 

We all of us have within ourselves this same strong 
power of Self -Control with which to protect ourselves 
in time of danger. It is our duty to use this potency in 
strengthening our souls and continuing along the con- 
structive path of life. We all have within us the ability 
and power to become like unto Daniel. 

Let us suppose at this point, for the sake of illustration, 
that one of our sister nurses is sent out on her first private- 
duty case. It is one of double pneumonia, of two days' 
duration. 

On the way to her destination our nurse is in a state of 
half fear, due to her timidity in the field of private work. 
She is unaccustomed to nursing in private homes with 
all their inconveniences. She anticipates difficulties 
and embarrassments. She wonders what sort of people 
the family are, and what kind of a patient she is to have 
in her charge. She "quakes" in anticipation of meeting 
them. She dreads the ordeal. 

When she reaches the home she is worked up to a state 
of timidity, apprehension and dread. In her indulgence 
of these she wastes energy, which renders her an easier 
victim to her fear. She meets the patient and family. 
Because of her disturbed mental state, she manifests a 
self-conscious, perturbed condition which is misunder- 
stood by the people and produces an ill effect upon them. 
In the beginning she hampers herself. She radiates an 



FEAR 203 



atmosphere which is destructive to herself and to her 
patient. 

She enters the sick-room and takes up her various 
duties. Externally she appears composed and capable; 
her work is accomplished. Internally, however, dismay, 
apprehension and anxiety are rampant, and are eating 
away at her mind and soul in anticipation of the crisis. 
As the days pass, gradually growing nearer to the ninth, 
tenth or eleventh when the crisis is expected, her dread, 
solicitude and alarm increase until her fear begins to 
manifest itself in restlessness, overzealousness and tense- 
ness in her work. She indulges in minor, unnecessary 
details of work to allay restlessness. She fidgets and 
fusses over her patient overzealously and holds herself 
tense in anticipation of "what might happen." She 
wastes an enormous amount of time and energy which 
should be stored up for the emergency, and succeeds 
only in tiring and disturbing her patient. 

This condition of mind continues for almost ten days 
during which time she becomes tired and careworn, 
physically and mentally. She wastes energy in wishing 
the crisis were over, or that she were away from the situa- 
tion. She expends vitality which should be used by her 
in blocking out her course of action for the emergency. 

Suddenly, on the tenth night following her arrival, the 
nurse discovers to her utmost horror, dismay and terror 
that her patient's temperature has dropped to sub- 
normal. She notes that he is extremely weak, and that 
his body is cold. She realizes in a flash that his crisis 
is on. The thought overwhelms her with Fear. She 
becomes paralyzed physically and mentally. She feels 
chilled. Her mind refuses to work. She can't think 



204 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

what to do. She can't remember the treatment for 
such emergency. Her fright incapacitates her for 
activity. She remains paralyzed and horror-stricken, 
unable to accomplish anything definite at the propitious 
time. 

Meanwhile, her patient is in the midst of his crisis, 
and is without help from his nurse who is at his bedside 
for that express purpose. He is running the risk of 
passing out of earth life because of his nurse's inactivity. 
He is suflPering neglect at the hands of his nurse solely 
because she is paralyzed with Fear! 

Perhaps the patient passes safely through his crisis 
in spite of the nurse. Perhaps he passes into "that 
undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler 
returns." In either case, he has been neglected and 
his life endangered because of the lack of Self- Control 
on the part of his nurse. 

Perhaps, through the grace of her Creator, or some 
good Friend, the nurse becomes thawed out from her 
condition before the consummation of the crisis. She 
emerges from her state of suspended animation. Her 
mind begins to act, and she gets ideas of what ought to 
be done. She endeavors to accomplish the propitious 
duties. However, her physical and mental organisms 
are so completely worn out and depleted from the loss 
of vitality due to past fear that she is handicapped and 
imable to perform her duties in a prompt and facile 
manner. She goes about gropingly; she blunders; she 
spills medicines and water; she bumps everything within 
her reach. She wastes time and energy in awkwardness 
and blind carelessness. 

If the patient becomes conscious he immediately notes 



FEAR 205 



and senses her consternation and perturbation. He 
finds himself deprived of that calm, quiet assurance and 
encouragement which mean so much to a patient emerg- 
ing from such a chasm. He fails to receive the kindly 
and appropriate help which is so important at this time, 
and which only the nurse can give. He is deprived of 
his legitimate rights and services! 

If the patient passes over the Great Divide our nurse 
finds herself more horror-stricken than ever. The 
family come to her for strength, comfort and sympathy. 
They look to her as a tower of fortitude and composure. 
They expect in her an example of self-possession, self- 
control, courage and strength. They hope to find in 
her a precedent during the hour of their trial. The nurse 
reahzes this, and also is deeply aware of her failure to 
fulfil her responsibility to them. This causes greater 
perturbation. She feels herself incapacitated to fill her 
place as comforter and helper to the family in this time 
of suffering. She finds herself unsuccessful in her work 
as a nurse and as a comforter because of her Fear and 
lack of Self -Control ! Within herself, she realizes that 
she is a failure! 

In this case Fear, in its many forms and phases, has 
been the sole cause of the nurse*s failure. She possessed 
the knowledge and ability successfully to perform her 
necessary duties and to fulfil her responsibilities to her 
patient; but she lacked the Self-Con trol to overcome 
her Fear and fell a victim to its undesirable and destruc- 
tive results. She succumbed to the temptation of Fear. 
Because of it, she endangered her patient's life, inca- 
pacitated herself, weakened her powers of resistance, 
opened the way for future temptations, and proved her- 



206 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

self a failure in the time of trial, and left with the family 
a deep impression of her immaturity and incapability. 

Deep down within her own soul she would have to 
recognize herself a failure, whether others knew the cause 
of it, or not. If she were honest she would have to 
admit herself a disgrace and a stumbling-block to the 
profession and to her own sex. And she would have to 
realize that her Fear and her failure to control that 
Fear were the underlying causes of her failure and 
disgrace ! 

Fear is destructive. Its results are grave to its victims. 

How frequently we find nurses failing in hospital or 
State Board examinations as a result of Fear! Their 
minds become paralyzed by terror and consternation at 
sight of the various questions, and this renders them 
unable to think clearly, or to reason logically. Their 
mentality becomes dull. They don't know the answers 
by heart, and they can't think, or reason them out. 
Their examinations consequently prove unsatisfactory. 
They are judged by the results of their work. Their 
training schools are judged by the results of their stu- 
dents' work. The results are poor. Therefore, the 
individuals themselves and their training schools are 
adjudged failures and are deprived of their truly just 
merits. 

Their Fear does them and their training school an 
injustice. Their lack of Self-Control causes their down- 
fall. They hamper themselves, disgrace their school, 
and lower the standard of the profession, all because of 
their indulgence of the temptation of Fear! 

Friends, the results of Fear are not worth the energy 
Fear expends. 



FEAR 207 



One of the common failures among women in general 
is their tendency to Worry and Despondency. It 
would seem that this becomes a habit with a large 
number of women; and the habit is indulged with as 
much gratification and unconscious satisfaction as are 
Gossip, Criticism, and Self-Pity. They become forms 
of Self-Indulgence, 

Worry and Despondency cause inevitable havoc, 
just as any other form of Fear brings destructive results. 
They disturb the quiet beauty of the individual's soul, 
expend energy, encourage morbidness, incapacitate her 
for any clear mental work, and any satisfactory physical 
effort; and constitute her an unwholesome element 
among people. They cause her to grow old physically 
and mentally. They submerge the admirable qualities 
of cheerfulness and courage, which make of her a strong, 
wholesome woman. They become a loadstone around 
her neck in her upgrade journey to Health, Individual 
Unfoldment and Happiness. They lead to Bondage, 
Retrogression and Unhappiness ! 

Worry and Despondency are forms of Fear. They 
are destructive! 

It is the personal responsibility of every individual to 
unfold, develop and use his latent and inherent powers 
of soul. Whatever tends to deflect him from this re- 
sponsibihty is destructive, if indulged. 

Self-Control is one of these inherent powers of soul 
which it is our Personal Responsibility to unfold and 
use. Fear is a temptation which is prone to deflect us 
from the discharge of this responsibihty. Therefore, 
Fear is a destructive factor which must not be indulged. 

What is Personal Responsibility? 



208 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

It is the moral obligation fixed by Nature, or God, 
or the Great Over-Ruling Intelligence (call it what you 
may) upon every hving soul to live his {or her) own life 
according to his (or her) own individual standards of 
Equity f Justice and Right. 

What is the basis of Personal Responsibility? 

The ability to exercise an independent, self-conscious 
and rational Will or Volition. 

Every individual has been given a definite duty, or 
obUgation, to erect his own ideals and standards of 
Equity, Justice and Right, to the best of his own knowl- 
edge at any given time. He also has been obliged to 
conform his Hfe to these standards and ideals at all 
times, to the best of his knowledge and abilities, and 
regardless of all other human beings. This is his Personal 
Responsibility fixed by Nature. 

This obligation of Personal Responsibility depends 
upon the individual's abihty at all times to exercise a 
Will which is unaided and uninfluenced, knowing and 
intentional, and anticipating the results — an independ- 
ent, self-conscious and rational Will or Volition. 

This Personal Responsibihty, fixed upon each of us 
by Nature at the time of our creation, points out to 
each individual a long and narrow path beset with many 
"Uons on the way." 

Fear is one of these numerous "lions" on the way 
"seeking whom it may devour." It is for us to decide 
whether this lion shall "devour" us as we travel along 
our way, or whether we shall become its master and con- 
trol it. 

While Nature may seem to have been stern, rigid and 
unkind in fixing upon us this strenuous obligation and this 



FEAR 209 



difficult road beset with so many dangers ; yet, upon deeper 
reflection we will find that Mother Nature ever is wise, 
just and beneficent in dealing with her children. For 
at the same time did she not give us sufficient tools and 
safeguards for taking us safely over the rocky, rough, 
and dangerous trail ? Has she not given us a Conscious- 
ness and a Will, our tools that enable us to know and to 
do — if we but have the desire? Has she not given us 
an independent and individual Choice, to decide and 
determine our way to go? Does she not amply reward 
us for the effort put forth and the progress made? 

It is true Mother Nature established the "lions" of 
destruction on the way to our goal. But it is just as 
true that she presents us our tools and weapons for 
overcoming these lions. And moreover it is true that 
she expects us to, and holds us accountable for, rightly 
using these instruments and safeguards. 

Fear is one of the "Lions on the Way." 

Self -Control is the potent remedy for subduing that 
lion. 

As Daniel, by the power of his Self-Control, met and 
overcame the lions in the den, so must we, by the power 
of our Self-Control, meet and overcome the "lions on 
our way" — the temptations on our road to Self-Comple- 
tion and ultimate Happiness. 



14 



CHAPTER XXIII 

Disloyalty 

Loyalty is unwavering fidelity to one*s own standards 
and ideals of the great principle of Right in its relation 

1. To any work or Cause with which he may be 
associated. 

2. To his fellowmen. 

3. To himself as an Individual Intelligence. 
Disloyalty is violation or betrayal of this kind and 

degree of fidehty and allegiance. It is a temptation 
common to all mankind, and no less so to the members 
of the nursing profession. It is a destructive agent and 
is requited only by discontent, unhappiness and failure. 

1. When an individual associates himself with any 
work, or cause, immediately he obligates himself to 
loyalty. He fixes upon himself the responsibility of 
fidelity and allegiance to the Cause, or Work, to the 
best of his knowledge and abiHty, at all times. Each 
individual must have his own high ideals and standards 
of the great principle of Right, and must apply these in 
their relation to the Work, or Cause, or Movement, with 
which he may be associated, at all times and under all 
circumstances. 

His relation to any Work or Cause demands that he 
give the best of his time, attention, energy, intelligence 
and abiHty to it, as far as conditions will permit. It 
elicits his help at all times for the good of the institution 
and to defend it against damage of any kind, and even, 

210 



DISLOYALTY 211 



if necessary, with his hfe. It calls for the best there is 
in him ; and because of his association with it, it becomes 
his responsibility to answer the call. 

The woman who enters the training school to qualify 
as a nurse immediately obligates herself to absolute 
loyalty to the hospital and to the nursing profession. 
She assumes an obligation of allegiance and fealty to the 
institution of nursing, according to the best of her knowl- 
edge and in conformance with her standard of the 
principle of Right. 

Her relation to this work and to the profession de- 
mands that she devote adequate time, full attention, 
eflScient energy, and the best of her intelligence and 
ability to the obligation she has assumed. During her 
working hours, her entire life, interest and intelligence 
should be directed to the fulfilment of her duties. It 
fixes upon her the responsibility at all times to protect 
the work, the institution and the profession against 
damage, adverse criticism, or derogatory influence. It 
establishes her duty to strive to improve conditions and 
to better the general work. It lays her liable even to 
give her life for it, if necessity demands. In truth, it 
elicits the acme of her energy, intelligence and personal 
effort. 

If a nurse finds herself in a group of people whose 
pleasure it seems to be to cast innuendoes on her training 
school, or adversely to criticize the nursing profession, 
her Loyalty should prompt her to refute the statements 
and endeavor kindly and wisely to prove their falsity. 
She should have sufficient moral courage to stand by her 
school and profession, and thus prove her Loyalty to 
them. 



S12 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

If she sits back and, because of lack of moral courage, 
allows these criticisms or insinuations to pass unchal- 
lenged, she then proves disloyal to the hospital and 
profession, brands herself a coward and is unworthy 
of her place in the work. She fails to exemplify Loyalty, 
and therefore is a detriment, instead of a help, to the 
profession and to the hospital, and deserves no place in 
them. 

Suppose, for example, that a nurse is called upon to 
care for a highly contagious case. She realizes the 
disease is easily contracted by one closely associated with 
it. She understands that her acceptance of the case 
exposes her to grave danger, and perhaps to the loss of 
her own Hfe. She knows also that the immediate care 
of a nurse is essential to the welfare of the patient. 

What is her responsibility in such case? To accept 
the case immediately. 

What motive should impel her to accept it? Her 
Loyalty to the work, to the hospital and to the profession; 
for Loyalty demands that she must at all times work 
for the betterment and success of the institution of 
which she is a representative. 

In accepting such case she fulfils the requirements of 
such Loyalty. She jeopardizes her life for the Cause, 
that its reputation and general standard may be 
maintained and elevated. She proves the nobility and 
altruism of one of its members, that all may be highly 
regarded by the public. She proves a blessing and a 
help to the training school and work by manifesting 
herself a woman worthy of its teachings and honors. 

If the nurse followed her own selfish impulse to reject 
the case in order to protect her own life she would be an 



. DISLOYALTY 213 



unquestioned victim of Disloyalty. She would violate 
allegiance and fidelity to the Cause with which she is 
associated. She would invite and stimulate adverse 
criticism of the profession, her training school and of the 
work itself in the minds of those connected with the case. 
She would be a detriment, a hindrance and a disgrace 
to the nursing profession. 

Disloyalty is unworthy of any conscientious nurse 
who seeks success and service. The duty of every nurse 
is to school herself rigidly in the exemplification of 
Loyalty to her chosen profession, to the work of nursing, 
and to the institution of her training. 

2. An individual owes Loyalty to his associates. It 
is his duty to be frank, honest, sincere and above-board 
with them. It is his responsibility to serve them at all 
times, in any possible way, and even at the risk of losing 
their friendship. It is his obligation to stand by them, 
to defend them, to fight for them, and even to die for 
them, if circumstance demands. It is part of his liability 
to exemplify fidelity and allegiance to his own standards 
and ideals of the principle of Right in its relation to 
them. 

This appHes as well to the nurse as to other individuals. 
She must prove loyal to the patient, to the physician, 
to the superintendent of her school, to her fellow nurses 
and to all her fellowmen with whom she comes in contact. 

Loyalty eliminates Criticism. She must not criticize, 
nor discuss with others, the faults, failures or idiosyncra- 
sies of her associates behind their backs. If she is con- 
scious of a fellow nurse's difficulties and believes these 
difficulties are proving harmful and destructive, to 
either the person herself or others, she must not resort 



214 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

to criticism or discussion with a third person, but must 
go direct to the fellow nurse and lay the matter before 
her in a kind and gentle manner. She must endeavor 
to explain the situation and conditions as they appear 
to her. She must be frank, sincere and honest with the 
individual; and if she makes clear the fact that she comes 
in a spirit of loyalty, helpfulness and friendship, as well 
as good will, in the majority of cases her frankness will 
be accepted in the same friendly spirit. Each nurse 
must remember that anything but this exemplification 
is Disloyalty. And she must bear in mind that Criticism 
is Disloyalty. 

If a nurse observes that one of her associates is con- 
veying a wrong or derogatory impression to others 
through some manner of thought, speech, or conduct 
of life, it becomes her duty of Loyalty to go direct to that 
associate and tell her of the impression she is making, 
even at the risk of losing her friendship. She owes it to 
the associate to call her attention to the derogatory 
impression. If the associate is broad, generous and 
conscientious she will be grateful for this act of kindness 
and loyalty. If she is of the narrow, selfish, vain and 
cowardly type of womanhood she will resent the act. 
But even if the latter is true, this kind of Loyalty must be 
exemplified; the nurse must sacrifice the friendship for 
the good of her associate. The rebuff cannot harm the 
nurse; it should tend to elevate her self-respect, because 
she will be conscious of duty performed and service 
fulfilled. She will know that she has exemplified 
Loyalty. Under no circumstances, however, should 
the nurse discuss the subject with a third person until 
after she has been to the person directly concerned, and 



DISLOYALTY 215 



not even then unless she beh'eves — after due considera- 
tion — that good may be accomplished by so doing. 

An example: A junior nurse may observe that her senior 
nurse has fallen into what appears to be a spirit of domi- 
nation over her patients. She notes that the impression 
being made by the senior is creating criticism and resent- 
ment among her patients. She realizes that this con- 
dition is not a constructive one. 

She also realizes that if she withholds the knowledge 
from her senior — or tells it to a third person — she is 
lacking in allegiance to her. Or, in other words, she is 
manifesting Disloyalty. She is not sure just how the 
older nurse will receive her if she goes to her. Yet, her 
Loyalty impels her to take the step. 

She goes to the senior nurse in a spirit of good will, 
friendliness and helpfulness. She paves the way by 
explaining that she comes in the spirit of Loyalty and 
service, and with the desire to prove her friendship. 
She tells her senior of the impression she is making 
among her patients. She recites examples and illustra- 
tions and makes clear to the senior that she alone is 
responsible for the impression. 

Perhaps the act is accepted in the same kindly spirit 
in which it was performed; or perhaps it is resented and 
a beautiful friendship destroyed. Whatever the out- 
come the junior nurse merits her own self-respect for 
the exemplification of Loyalty and the fulfilment of 
duty. 

If, after this experience, the junior nurse observes 
that she has not been of help to her senior, and that the 
wrong impression continues to be made on the patients, 
then she is justified in taking a third person into her 



216 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

confidence for the purpose of receiving help. After 
consideration she may come to the conclusion that the 
superintendent might be of service in the solution of the 
problem ; or, perhaps, the personal friend of the unfortu- 
nate nurse. If she believes this to be true, then she is 
not violating Loyalty by going to either of these. But 
she must not go to others. Insofar as she does she proves 
Disloyal. It is only after a consultation with the senior 
herself, and a recognition of her abortive effort, that she 
is justified in taking another into her confidence. 

This is the exemplification of Loyalty to one's fellow- 
men. 

The loyalty of a nurse should impel her always to 
champion the lives and characters of her fellowmen in 
their absence. "When she hears derogatory or critical 
remarks concerning her superintendent, physician, pa- 
tient or fellow nurse, she should deem it a responsibility, 
as well as a privilege, to refute the statements and 
discourage their continuance. She must have the moral 
courage to stand by her fellowmen and associates in the 
face of all difficulties, hardships or surroundings. This 
is the kind and degree of Loyalty a conscientious nurse 
should exemplify. 

A loyal nurse never should discuss the private or 
personal affairs of her patients, physicians, or associates, 
with others. Any confidence given her should be main- 
tained and guarded by her as sacred. Any information 
received concerning a patient's disease — its cause or 
effect — should be kept as a professional secret, unless 
some direct good can be accomplished by the telHng. 
Always in the cause of Loyalty it is necessary to refuse 
to discuss or reveal the personal or private affairs of the 



DISLOYALTY 217 



lives and characters of her fellowmen. She has no 
moral right to meddle with the affairs of others. 

Loyalty to one's fellowmen bars Criticism. It elimi- 
nates Gossip. It demands Moral Courage. It inspires 
the love of others. It stimulates the acme of intelligence 
and personal effort. If we would deserve the crown of 
success we must exemplify such Loyalty every day of 
our lives. 

3. In dealing with ourselves as individual intelligences, 
we must prove our Loyalty by Hving always according 
to our highest standards and ideals of Equity, Justice 
and Right, to the best of our knowledge and ability, and 
at all times. We must live in such honesty, sincerity, 
righteousness and truthfulness that we may command 
our own self-respect and feel the sense of deep satisfac- 
tion with ourselves. We must be willing and courageous 
enough at all times to look ourselves squarely in the face 
that we may recognize our shortcomings and failures, 
and overcome them. We must receive suggestions, 
kindly criticisms and loving services from others in the 
spirit of appreciation and thankfulness — for these will 
help us to know and understand ourselves the better. 
We owe to ourselves, as individual souls, the kind of 
Loyalty which will always impel us to exemplify 
allegiance and fidelity to our own highest concepts of 
the principle of Right. Only through such Loyalty can 
we maintain a deep respect for Self. 

The following is an illustration embodying the three 
phases of Loyalty: 

A young, unmarried woman was admitted to a hospital 
for an appendectomy operation. Her history put her 
on record as the daughter of worthy, refined, educated 



218 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

parents. She was known to be a widely respected, well- 
educated girl of high repute and lofty moral standards. 
Her reputation, so far as was known, was unsullied and 
unquestioned. 

The operation was carried on in the regular routine. 
The internal abdominal examination was made. The 
appendix was found to be in normal condition. The 
presiding surgeon proceeded to examine further. He 
found internal hemorrhage. In a short time he dis- 
covered, to the amazement of all present, a most un- 
expected condition which betrayed the fact that the 
young lady had been sadly misled and wronged, and that 
grave trouble had resulted to her. 

Detailed examination revealed the condition a gravely 
serious one, certain to result in death. Further opera- 
tion would prove abortive and futile. No further help 
could be given successfully. A consultation of the 
surgeons decided the course of sewing up the abdomen, 
returning the patient to the room, and prescribing such 
treatment as could add to her comfort until the end. 

The head surgeon, realizing the gravity of the situation 
and all that it involved — including the death of the 
patient — laid the facts of the case before all his assistants, 
including the nurses. He told them that if the truth of 
the case were known the good reputation of the patient 
would be ruined, and disgrace would follow; the parents' 
hearts would be broken; they would be criticized and 
made uncomfortable by the attitude of gossiping neigh- 
bors; a shadow would exist between the parents and the 
daughter; and the patient would go to her grave with a 
cloud o'ershadowing her otherwise bright and beautiful 
life. 



DISLOYALTY 219 

He asked each one to consider the existing circum- 
stances and conditions, and then to pledge himself or 
herself never to discuss the operation or to reveal the 
condition in any way such as to bring discredit or dis- 
grace upon the character of the young girl. He asked 
them to do this for the sake of the girl herself and for 
the sake of the parents. 

Each individual present pledged himself. The patient 
was returned to her room and the parents notified of her 
precarious condition. After three days of suffering the 
unfortunate girl passed over the Great Divide to take 
up her life on another plane — ^the same beloved, deeply 
respected and highly esteemed young lady. The truth 
never was revealed. It was generally conceded that she 
died as a result of shock following an appendectomy 
operation. The noble parents were saved poignant 
suffering, deep sorrow and severe heartache through the 
sympathy and consideration of the generous surgeon 
and his loyal assistants. 

This pledge bound every individual to the exemplifica- 
tion of Loyalty in its three phases. 

Take, for instance, one of the nurses: 

1. In her pledge she swore allegiance to her training 
school, to the work of nursing, and to the profession. 
If she had told the truth of the situation to outsiders 
and had discussed the operation, she would have proven 
Disloyal. Her act would have brought down Criticism, 
Disrespect and Lack of Confidence on the work, the 
profession and the hospital. As its representative, it 
was her duty to protect the institution of nursing against 
such damage. If she failed to do so, or violated her 



220 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

allegiance, she would have proven disloyal to the work 
and the cause. 

2. In this pledge she took the oath of fealty to all 
those concerned in the case. A disclosure of the truth 
on her part would have brought sorrow to the parents; 
disgrace to the reputation of the patient; criticism to the 
physician; and censure to the superintendent in charge 
of the nurse. She would have violated her fidelity to 
the principle of Right and would have betrayed Dis- 
loyalty to her fellowmen. 

3. The pledge our nurse took elicited loyalty to her- 
self as an individual intelHgence. Had she violated this 
pledge she would have swerved from her ideals and 
standards of the principle of Right. She would have 
failed in Personal Responsibility and could view herself 
only with the eye of self-reproach. She would have 
proven Disloyal to herself as an individual. 

The results of Disloyalty are: contumely, self-re- 
proach, disrespect, lack of confidence, trust and esteem, 
discontent, unhappiness, and consequent failure. 

Disloyalty is a temptation. If indulged, it is a de- 
structive agent. Its requital is undesirable. It does 
not 'pay. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

Selfishness 

Selfishness has been defined by lexicographers as 
"caring unduly or supremely for one's self; regarding 
one's own comforts, advantages, etc., in disregard, or at 
the expense of others; exclusive regard to one's own 
interest or happiness." 

Philosophers define the word as **the desire of an indi- 
vidual to Receive more than he is willing to Give." 

Selfishness is based on the primary double function 
of the soul — Receiving and Giving. The entire problem 
rests on the willingness of an individual to Give as freely 
as he Receives, and to Receive no more freely than he is 
willing to Give. In connection with the problem enters 
also the question of the motive back of the act. 

The principle of Receiving and Giving is the essential 
underlying basis which determines whether an act be 
selfish or unselfish. Upon this primary double function 
of the soul depends the constructiveness or the destruc- 
tiveness of every effort put forth by a human being. If 
the motive is to Give^ without thought of reward, the act 
is unselfish. If the desire is alone to Receive, the deed is 
purely selfish. This primary double function is Nature's 
scale which weighs and determines the value of each and 
every operation and effort on all planes of Kfe. 

For example: Two individuals meet on the street, 

221 



222 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

greet each other cordially and pass on. It is a simple act 
in itself, yet it involves one of the greatest problems of 
individual life. 

In the mind and soul of the first individual — Mr. A. 
— is the selfish motive. He thinks to himself: "Here 
comes Mr. B. He's a prominent business man who may 
be able to help me some day in my business. I'll greet 
him cordially and try to gain his good will. It may 
prove to be of benefit." Accordingly, he greets Mr. 
A. with unction. 

This mental colloquy may not be worked out in this 
precise logic; in fact, it may be merely a mental flash 
which directs his action. Nevertheless, his central idea 
and motive in greeting his neighbor are prompted by 
his desire to receive benefit rather than by the altruistic 
motive to give pleasure. He is led by his Selfishness 
rather than by a generous impulse. 

On the other hand, Mr. B. — the second man — sees 
Mr. A. coming and soliloquizes thus, consciously or un- 
consciously: "Here comes Mr. A. I'll greet him with 
friendliness just to make him feel good. It may help to 
brighten his day." Thereupon he greets his neighbor 
in a wholesome, friendly manner which radiates good 
feeling and cheerfulness. He is prompted by the 
desire to give rather than to receive. He is inspired by 
his Unselfishness to do this. 

While both greetings appear friendly and whole- 
hearted, and perhaps give the same impression to an 
onlooker; nevertheless, Mr. B. — the man with the un- 
selfish motive — deep in his soul enjoys the comfort, 
peace and satisfaction derived only from the performance 
of an unselfish act; while Mr. A. is conscious only of 



SELFISHNESS 223 



the narrow enjoyment received from the knowledge 
that he has done something for his own little Self. 

In their internal and psychic results, which is the loser ? 
Which was the more worthy act? 

These questions can be answered only by the use of 
the principle of Receiving and Giving as the scale with 
which to determine. 

Again: Suppose you are assembled in a drawing room 
with a group of people, among whom are two accomp- 
lished lady musicians. 

One lady, Miss R., is asked to play the piano. Her 
face beams with delight, making evident that she is 
flattered. She takes her place at the piano — perhaps 
after considerable coaxing, or, mayhap, without further 
invitation. Someone invites her to render a piece of 
music which is simple and somewhat ancient. She turns 
up her nose and says: "Oh, I don't like that. I'll play 
something else." 

She proceeds to play an extravagant, bombastic 
piece of music which will demonstrate her wonderful 
musical technic. Without consideration for her audi- 
ence, she continues to give her own selections of music, 
without consulting the wishes or desires of her listeners, 
and renders only such pieces as will demonstrate her un- 
usual ability. She is interested in her own accomplish- 
ment more than in her audience. She is concerned, 
not in pleasing her listeners, but in pleasing her own 
vanity. She is desirous of receiving the plaudits of her 
listeners, instead of being concerned with giving them 
pleasure. 

After duly satisfying her own selfish desire and suffi- 
ciently impressing her musical ability on her audience. 



224 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

she retires from the piano, beaming her satisfaction with 
Self, 

Her sole motive in playing has been self-gratification. 
Her desire was to receive applause and adulation. Her 
act was one of Selfishness. 

Miss N. is then asked to play for the audience. In 
a frank, candid manner she manifests her appreciation 
of the invitation, and takes her place at the piano with- 
out ostentation. She expresses her perfect willingness 
to play if some one will suggest a piece. It is evident 
from her entire manner that she is pleased to do what 
she can to give pleasure to the company; that she is 
playing to and for their enjoyment instead of her own 
glorification. 

She accepts any and all suggestions, and plays every- 
thing asked of her, from the simplest to the most diflScult 
pieces, whether or not of her liking and choice. She 
renders the music in a quiet, dignified and unassuming 
manner which bespeaks humility and a desire to serve. 
It is made manifest that her thought is to give pleasure 
to her associates, rather than to receive their adulation. 
This spirit and generous attitude radiate themselves in 
her music and prove pleasing and -delightful to the 
listeners. She leaves the piano in a gentle, gracious 
manner. 

Her sole motive has been Service. Her desire was to 
Give pleasure and enjoyment. Her act was one of 
ZJ/iselfishness. 

Of the two, which makes the better impression? 
Which gives most pleasure? Which receives greater 
psychic benefits and deeper internal satisfaction? 
Which is the bigger soul? 



SELFISHNESS 225 



Again we must determine these answers by weighing 
with Nature's scale of Receiving and Giving. 

Every act we commit, every word we speak is either 
selfish or unselfish, based upon the motive underlying it. 
If the motive is to Give without hope of rev/ard, our 
word or act is unselfish. If the desire is solely to Re- 
ceive, then the deed is purely selfish. 

Every selfish word or act keeps the mind grovelling 
among the mean and sordid things of earth; closes the 
door to service; repulses friendship; leads the soul to 
discontent, dissatisfaction and unhappiness; and drives 
us into the dingy confines of our narrow, selfish Selves. 

Every unselfish word or act broadens and deepens 
our psychic nature; increases our opportunities for 
service and for radiating sunshine into the lives of our 
fellowmen; inspires brotherly love; stimulates the tender, 
loving impulses of the soul; and leads us along the elysian 
path of content, satisfaction and happiness. 

Selfishness manifests itself in the desire for 

1. Intellectual attainment and progress. 

2. Public applause. 

3. Material possessions. 

4. Individual friendship, . confidence, or love. 
Selfish individuals who long for intellectual attainment 

and progress will devote all time and energy to the grati- 
fication of their desire. In their effort to satisfy this 
desire they overlook entirely the rights of others, dis- 
regard the wishes and hopes of their associates, and live 
solely in and for the purpose of fulfilHng their intellectual 
demands. It is this class of people who so frequently 
shun, avoid, or evade responsibility, consciously or 
unconsciously, and prove themselves essentially un- 

15 



226 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

trustworthy because of their absolute interest in Self, 
and obHvion to others. They endeavor to get away 
from responsibility that all their time may be devoted 
to intellectual attainment. Or, they strive to put 
their responsibihty onto the shoulders of others that 
they may be unhampered in satisfying their great 
ambition. Or again, they become so absorbed in their 
own hfe and interests that they forget they have responsi- 
bihties and obligations to be discharged and fulfilled. In 
any case, they prove untrustworthy in any and all 
responsibihty as a result of their extreme Selfishness. 

Those who Hve for public applause apparently are 
without scruples in taking advantage of their fellowmen, 
at any time, to gain the adulation they desire. They 
overlook the rights, privileges, prerogatives or just 
deserts of their fellowmen, and exist only in their own 
Httle world of striving for attention and applause. They 
kill out the tender, sweet emotions of the soul, and the 
generous sympathy for others, and Hve on in their 
rudely constructed abode of cold, unfeehng Selfishness. 

The inordinate desire in individuals for the selfish 
acquirement of material possessions — property, dress, 
jewelry or money — ^is one of the most lamentable mani- 
festations of Selfishness. In their efforts to store up 
material gain, these persons will deprive others of com- 
forts and even necessities which they rightly deserve, 
will scorn the deHcate, sensitive feehngs of their associ- 
ates, will overlook rightful ownership and possession, 
and even sometimes \vall resort to immoral or degrading 
acts to satisfy their insatiate and demoralizing desire 
for material things. 

If the philosophy taught by the ancient Masters of the 



SELFISHNESS 227 



Orient is true, then these individuals make a gross 
mistake; for, according to it, material possessions be- 
yond those necessary for physical comfort and unselfish 
use bind the soul to earth conditions from which release 
is difficult. These Great Masters teach that abundance 
of material possessions merely increases the individuaFs 
personal responsibility rightly to use those possessions; 
and that failure to do this involves punishment under the 
Law of Compensation. These wise men declare that 
every superfluous ounce of material gain constitutes a 
powerful fetter which binds the soul to earth — it may be 
for ages — after it has passed beyond the Great Divide; 
and that an inordinate desire for material, physical 
possessions only holds the soul on the lowest spiritual 
strata surrounding the earth plane, and thus prevents 
its ascent to the land of the higher spiritual realm. 

If this ancient Oriental philosophy be true — and there 
are many intelligent people who believe it is true — 
think of the future sorrow and punishment these indi- 
viduals are storing up for themselves! Think of the 
disappointment when they awaken on the opposite 
shore of the River Styx and realize, only too late, that 
they have bound themselves to the dread monster. 
Greed, from whose clutches they must strive long and 
desperately to free themselves! 

The class of people whose Selfishness leads them to 
desire abundance of earthly possessions, forget that 
when the soul dispenses with its physical body it no 
longer requires physical clothing, adornments, comforts 
or necessities, and that all they have stored up during 
physical existence must we left behind for others. They 
lose sight of the fact that physical material exists on the 



228 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

physical 'plane only and cannot be taken with them on 
their journey across the "Valley of the Shadow of 
Death." They do not realize what an amount of 
valuable time and energy is wasted in the acquirement 
of material gain which, after all, is enjoyed for only a 
short period in the more exalted life of the individual. 
They do not understand what a trivial thing material 
possession is when viewed from the lofty realm of the 
soul. If these facts were borne in mind by those who 
are inclined to hoard and accumulate, undoubtedly we 
should find less struggling, sorrow and crime on this 
plane of earth life, and in its place more contentment, 
deeper peace, and a more universal brotherly love. 

There are many human beings whose Selfishness 
manifests itself in the desire for the entire and undivided 
friendship, confidence or love of a friend, or loved one. 
Such an individual maintains the attitude that his 
friend, or loved one, must share his friendship, affection 
or confidence with no other person; that the friend, or 
loved one, must be satisfied with the association and 
companionship of this one individual. Any manifesta- 
tion of interest in, or admiration of, another person 
arouses the deepest jealousy in the heart of the selfish 
individual; and sometimes leads him to abandon his 
dearest friend altogether rather than to accept his divided 
affection or friendship. He maintains that he must have 
all or none of the loved one's attention and affection. 
All or None. Can you depict greater Selfishness? 

The subject of Selfishness is so deep, so broad, so 
general, and so extensive that a detailed analysis would 
necessitate an entire volume. The temptation is a 
universal one to all classes of people in all stations and 



SELFISHNESS 229 



professions of life. It is involved in almost every other 
temptation of life. It is a subject fairly well understood 
by all thinking people; therefore, a more detailed analysis 
will not be given in this volume. 

Selfishness is included in , at the basis of, or concerned 
with every temptation analyzed in the previous chapters 
of this book. Let us ask ourselves a few questions to 
determine this: 

Chapter II deals with the subject of Unworthy 
Motives. 

What motive impels a woman to enter the strenuous 
field of nursing to obtain a home for herself .f* Is the 
desire to provide an occupation for herself an unselfish 
one? What motive would impel her to enter upon the 
work of nursing in order to drown her sorrow and 
trouble? What is the desire, impulse or motive which 
prompts her to seek adventure, money, romance and 
matrimony in the nursing profession? In other words, 
what is the impulse back of any unworthy motive which 
leads women into the work of nursing? It is Selfishness! 

What motive and impulse would lead a physician of 
the class referred to in Chapter III to tempt nurses with 
whom he comes in contact? Would you judge it a 
motive to render service, or an act of thoughtfulness, 
when he deliberately sets out to break down the dignity 
and reserve of a woman? It is the result of Selfisfiness! 

What is the impulse back of the temptation arising 
from Clashing Magnetisms? Selfishness! 

What is at the basis of Irritability and Impatience? 
Selfishness! 

From what does Indolence spring? From the root of 
Selfishness! 



230 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

What is back of Intolerance ? Is it not a gratification 
of Love of Self? 

Upon what does Procrastination depend? Upon 
undue indulgence of Self! 

What impels us to indulge in Emotionalism? The 
selfish desire to relieve our emotions. 

What is the root of Gossip? It is Selfishness! 

Dishonesty — is it prompted by an unselfish impulse? 
No! its foundation is pure Selfishness! 

Of what is Tactlessness the direct result? Of blind 
Selfishness! 

What leads people to Jealousy and Envy? Their 
Selfishness! 

And so on down the line we find that Selfishness is 
the foundation of all temptations. 

A deep and careful study and analysis of each of the 
temptations herein referred to, or in fact, any tempta- 
tion of human life, will reveal the somewhat startling 
fact that Selfishness, in some form, is the basis, the root, 
or the underlying cause of each and every temptation. 

This may be accepted dubiously by some. If so, let 
them, for their own satisfaction and enlightenment, 
take any temptation, give it a careful, sincere, honest 
and deep analysis down to its finest point, and then 
decide for themselves the truthfulness of the above 
statement. They will find the result startling, no doubt, 
but nevertheless true; for it is an undeniable /ad. 

The fact that Selfishness is involved in, or at the basis 
of, all other temptations makes clear the depth, the 
breadth, the universahty and the general destructiveness 
of this innate temptation; and discloses, as well as em- 
phasizes, the necessity for the elimination of it from the 



SELFISHNESS 231 



soul of every individual who is striving toward a higher 
goal. 

Selfishness is one of the deepest and most intensely 
destructive temptations known in human life. Indeed, 
it might be called, without exaggeration, a primary 
temptation of the soul; because upon it are based so 
many of the minor temptations. 

Selfishness closes the door to service and the enjoy- 
ment of wholesome association. It bars friendship and 
brotherly love. It destroys unselfish appreciation of 
and sympathy for others. It freezes the tender, lovable 
emotions and impulses of the soul which make life toler- 
able and beautiful. Its results always bring heartache 
and unhappiness; criticism and unfriendliness; isolation 
and desolation; disintegration and destruction. 

It leads the human soul, with wonderful celerity, 
along the downward road to the North where is found 
only Psychic Darkness and Individual Bondage. 

Selfishness is a formidable lion on the pathway of 
Light and Truth. 



CHAPTER XXV 

Personal Uncleanliness 

The state of perfect, normal health depends upon 
free elimination of the excretions of the physical body. 
Those who have studied anatomy know that there are 
various channels through which this elimination takes 
place. The skin is one of these channels, and is by no 
means the least important. 

The skin, or outer covering of the body, Is composed 
of an infinite number of pores, or small apertures, 
which are operated by the relaxation and contraction 
of the minute muscles surrounding each opening. In 
the process of elimination these muscles relax, the 
pores become filled with impurities excreted by the body, 
the muscles again contract and the impurities are dis- 
charged from the pore. This is the mechanical process 
of the skin. 

In some cases the impurities are thrown off with 
perspiration. This dries and forms a crustaceous layer 
on the outside of the skin, and prevents the muscles 
from discharging the accumulation within the pores. 

When these little pores become clogged with dirt, or in 
any way disabled, they are incapacitated for accomplish- 
ing their share of the work of elimination. During 
the course of twenty -four hours this condition exists in a 
large number of these openings; and the excretions which 
Nature intends should be disposed of through this chan- 

232 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 233 

nel accumulate and produce an unwholesome condition 
within the body. If this unwholesome condition is 
allowed to continue — by failure to remove the dirt and 
keep the pores open — this channel becomes obstructed. 
Its work is forced onto other channels, in addition to 
their own, and they become victims of over-work. 
After a short time they rebel and cause dissention within 
the body. Every closed-up pore increases the work of 
the other pores. Every obstructed eliminating channel 
increases the labor of the remaining passages. For 
this reason it is necessary to a healthful condition and 
to highest efficiency that each and every avenue shall 
be kept open and clean, that its individual work of 
elimination may be unhampered. 

The question — "What is Dirt.^" — was once asked of 
a student. The unhesitating and peremptory answer 
was — ^* Matter out of place.^* For a moment the laconic 
reply caused considerable merriment among the stu- 
dents; but upon consideration it was accepted very 
generally as a splendid definition of the word. 

Foreign material which becomes lodged in the pores 
is "matter out of place." Therefore, it is "^zt^" — 
which is but a mild form of filth; and, therefore, it must 
be removed to a proper place. 

The most desirable method for removing this "matter 
out of place" is the use of fresh, clean water, and soap. 
The best known way for keeping the pores of the physical 
body in wholesome condition is by cleansing them fre- 
quently with warm water and soap. The only agents 
that will thoroughly cleanse the skin and insure perfect 
elimination through it are plenty of water, and soap. 
Therefore, all individuals should make frequent and 



234 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

generous use of warm water and soap. The latter is 
very important in the cleansing process, for a large 
portion of the bodily exudations is a greasy substance 
which soap alone will remove. 

The general effect of the process of cleansing with soap 
and water is to eHminate dirt and remove "matter out 
of place" to a proper location. It leaves the skin in a 
wholesome, clean condition which enables it efficiently 
to carry on its work and insure good health. 

Water accomplishes more than this. It is becoming 
known to psychologists and scientists the world over 
that water is one of the most highly magnetic agents 
ever discovered. This fact renders it one of the most 
refining substances in Nature's pharmacy. Its frequent 
and abundant use has the effect of refining the individual 
particles of the physical body, elevating it above the 
animal plane and thereby converting it into a more 
suitable and efficient instrument for the use of the soul. 
Moreover, if "Cleanliness is next to godliness," as the 
Scriptures say it is, then the refining process all the 
while is bringing the individual closer to godliness. 
Hence, it has its spiritual and psychical values, as well 
as its physical. 

These results of the cleansing process are only construc- 
tive and desirable. They should be sought by every 
individual. 

The physical body is recognized as the abiding place 
of the soul on the earth plane. It is known as the 
physical instrument of the soul. It is understood by 
many of the best intelligences of the age that the purpose 
of the soul in manifesting through a physical instrument 
is that it may acquire experience and knowledge on the 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 235 

earth plane. By these it is taught that the soul gains 
its knowledge of the physical plane through the five 
physical senses which register their impressions upon 
the consciousness, the receiving attribute, or sensorium 
of the soul, where all impressions are transmuted into 
personal knowledge. If this be true the physical body 
is of great importance to the development of the indi- 
vidual intelligence, or soul; for upon its normal action 
depends a large portion of the soul's knowledge. Log- 
ically it would follow that the more normal and healthful 
the condition of the physical body the more efficient it 
is as the instrument of the soul. Therefore, the more 
highly efficient the physical body the more knowledge 
can be accumulated by the soul and the more rapid will 
be its evolution thereby. 

The purpose of the physical body is to serve the soul 
in its search for knowledge. It is shown in the preceding 
paragraph that the highly efficient body proves most 
beneficial to the soul in its search. The soul manifests 
on this plane to acquire the largest amount of knowledge 
possible. This, then, fixes upon every individual the 
moral obligation and the personal responsibility to keep 
his body in the most healthful, normal condition possible. 
He must make use of every method, or means, which 
will bring his body to its highest efficiency. Personal 
Cleanliness is known to be one of the most potent means 
of accomplishing this result. Therefore, Cleanliness is 
a personal responsibility of every individual. 

"Sin is the conscious and intentional evasion or 
violation of Personal Responsibility." Cleanliness is a 
personal responsibility. It follows naturally, therefore, 
that any conscious or intentional failure on the part of 



236 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

the individual to keep his body clean constitutes a Sin. 
In other words, this logic leads inevitably to the fact 
that uncleanliness is a sin, in Nature's eyes. 

Sin merits punishment under the widely accepted Law 
of Compensation. No person can sin with impunity. 
Every individual is amenable to this inexorable Law 
of Retribution. Any human being who is physically 
unclean commits a sin for which he will receive just 
punishment. 

Personal Uncleanliness is a sin for which Nature will 
mete out just punishment. 

We owe it to ourselves as individual intelligences to 
be clean and to keep our physical bodies in a healthful 
condition in order that our souls may acquire the greatest 
possible amount of knowledge on this plane. 

Soap and water are the deadly enemies of germs and 
disease. Perhaps no individual is more exposed to all 
kinds of disease than is the nurse. She must associate 
with and care for any and all illness known, if she is to 
fulfil her mission as a servant of humanity. To avoid 
constant sickness from such exposure she must look 
carefully to her own health and make use of all known 
agents which may prove a protection to her. Soap and 
water are her greatest protection against the contracting 
of disease. Because of this the nurse owes it to herself 
and to the general public to avoid illness as far as possible 
by the frequent and abundant use of Nature's cleanser 
and purifier. 

The conscientious surgeon, before entering the surgical 
room to perform an operation, is always careful to remove 
all dirt. He removes his outside clothing, usually takes 
a bath, dons a clean, white operating suit, thoroughly 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 237 

scrubs his hands and washes them in various antiseptic 
solutions for the purpose of rendering them clean and 
sterile and uses all precautions to render himself as free 
from deleterious matter as possible. 

The conscientious nurse or physician who is to assist 
in the operation uses the same precautions; for the 
operation is considered vital to the life of the patient 
and demands, therefore, careful attention and the utmost 
scrupulousness. 

Why are these precautions taken? Solely for the 
protection of the patient that he may not be exposed 
unduly to infection as a result of dirt. 

The responsibility of perfect cleanliness in any and all 
surgical work is deeply impressed on all who are to take 
part in the work. This is done wisely, for it is one of 
the greatest responsibihties of surgeons and nurses. 

This same responsibility of cleanliness should be 
impressed upon nurses in their general work with patients. 
Every duty or act performed for a sick person is of vital 
importance to his general condition and welfare. Care- 
lessness, or dirt, exposes him to infection, or to other ill 
effects, physical or mental. It should become a matter 
of routine to every nurse — as it is to every conscientious 
surgeon — thoroughly to cleanse her hands and remove 
all possible dirt from them before waiting on a patient. 
Any duty performed in behalf of a sick person is essential 
and is worthy of careful attention and scrupulous cleanli- 
ness. The nurse should take all necessary precautions 
for the protection of the individual in her charge. 

We all know from experience how repulsive and dis- 
gusting is an unclean person. We know that we do all 
in our power to escape personal contact with him. We 



238 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

know that, in spite of ourselves, we lose confidence in 
and respect for him because of his personal carelessness. 
We know UncleanUness has its effect on us when we are 
normal and healthy. Think then how much more it 
would affect us if we were in an abnormal, unhealthy 
condition. 

Think also of the general effectiveness of uncleanliness 
on a nervous, highly strung, bed-ridden, sick person. 
Imagine the discomfort he must suffer because of his 
inability to escape the dirt. Consider his state of 
mind during the process of a bath, for instance, when he 
must submit to being handled by a nurse who radiates 
filth and uncleanliness! Would you expect a patient to 
derive great benefit from any treatment with his mind in 
such condition.^ Would you expect him to increase his 
confidence in his nurse, or to gain more respect for her? 

Suppose you were a patient, lying in a disheveled bed, 
awaiting a cleansing bath to refresh you after a restless 
night during which you suffered intensely and perspired 
freely. You look forward to the bath with happy an- 
ticipation that it will improve your condition. While 
reveling in the sense of cleanliness which is to follow the 
bath your nurse enters the room to prepare you for it. 
You note at first sight that she presents a picture of 
general uncleanliness. T^^len she approaches your bed 
you find that her hands are soiled and dirty and suggest 
an ollipodrida of unpleasant odors. Her finger nails 
are long and lined with dirt. On closer inspection a 
"high- water mark" presents itself under her chin and 
you discover a layer of filth on her neck and in her ears. 
During the process of the bath you detect the odor of 
stale perspiration and soiled clothing. Her hair gives 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 239 

forth a stale, sickening odor, and her outside clothing is 
filthy. 

Would you like it? Would you feel clean and 
refreshed after your bath? Do you think your mind 
would be calm and relaxed? Surely not! 

This illustration may be criticized by some nurses as 
an exaggeration. If so, such nurses have been fortunate 
in escaping personal contact with their fellows of this 
caliber. For, deplorable as the fact is, it is nevertheless 
true that there are nurses who seem to revel in dirt and 
filth and personal uncleanliness. God forbid that such 
as these remain in the profession! 

If we nurses would only stop occasionally to put 
ourselves in the place of our patients, we might save the 
latter much discomfort, mental anguish and unhappiness, 
and accomplish far greater and more constructive results 
in our work. 

In the work of caring for the sick nurses are thrown 
in constant personal contact with their patients. The 
effects of personal contact are dependent largely upon 
the elements of personal cleanliness. Because of this 
it is essential, for the good of the patient and for her own 
success, that the nurse give special attention to this 
subject at all times, and adhere rigidly to the rules of 
personal cleanliness. 

No conscientious nurse ever should touch a patient 
unless her hands first have been cleansed of all dirt. 
She has no moral right to enter the room of a patient 
unless she can say to herself, in all honesty, that she is 
clean as it is possible for her to be at the time and under 
the circumstances. In this every nurse carries a heavy 
responsibility; for her personal cleanliness is a great 



240 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

factor— far greater than she may think — in the general 
condition and improvement of her patient. 

And her responsibility does not end here. She is 
charged with still another obligation. That is, always 
to hold herself as an exemplar of personal cleanliness. 

What is more inspiring and potent as an example than 
a clean, sweet, pure woman? Nothing! 

Many patients — I think I would be justified in saying 
the majority of people — do not realize the essential 
importance of the use of soap and water. Few people 
with whom we come in contact appreciate the necessity 
for scrupulous, personal cleanliness. Part of a nurse's 
work is to educate her patients by every wise method 
possible. It has been stated in a previous chapter that 
example is one of the most successful methods of educa- 
tion. All nurses should bear this in mind and endeavor 
to preach the sermon of cleanliness by their own constant 
example. 

A nurse, clean of mind and body, teaches a lesson far 
more powerful than any words, in conveying to the sick 
and distressed the importance of personal cleanliness 
to general health. Such a nurse inspires and encourages 
her patients to become well and to remain healthy, 
through the proper care of their physical body. Such 
a woman, clean and pure, is a living monument to her 
sex and is certain to prove a healing and constructive 
agent to the diseased minds of the sick and the weary. 

Every nurse should bear in mind these responsibilities 
and keep herself scrupulously clean, for she owes it to 
herself as well as to her patients. 

There is one other phase of this subject which may be 
overlooked by nurses. This is the importance of a 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 241 

clean, wholesome mind and attitude of soul on the part 
of a nurse in her work. Physical cleanliness is vitally 
important to success in the field of service, but mental 
cleanliness is of equally great importance. Physical clean- 
liness is conducive to health. So is mental cleanli- 
ness. Physical uncleanliness is a sin. Just so is mental 
uncleanliness. 

In dealing with the sick, as already stated, we must 
be clean about our physical bodies if we desire to produce 
a wholesome, constructive effect upon them. We must 
also be just as clean in mind and soul; for the mental 
attitude of a healthy, normal individual is potent in its 
influence over the weaker, more negative mind of the 
unhealthy person. In case of illness an unwholesome, 
disturbed condition of the mind is detrimental to physical 
recuperation. Therefore, those associated with the sick 
should use every inducement to produce a calm, clean, 
constructive attitude of mind in the abnormal individual. 
This can be accomplished only by the maintenance of a 
clean, consistent, wholesome attitude of mind and soul 
on the part of the helpers. 

The nurse must maintain a clean mind and a pure 
heart at all times, whether her patient is conscious or 
unconscious; for, although a patient may be in a state of 
coma his consciousness is always awake and alert and 
is as much prepared to receive impressions as if the 
patient were physically conscious. The consciousness 
of a physically depleted individual becomes very sensi- 
tive to the mental attitudes of those about him. If 
the general atmosphere be clean and wholesome the pa- 
tient is benefited. If the radiations from his helpers be 
unclean and impure then its effect becomes destructive 

16 



242 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

to his welfare. An unwholesome atmosphere always 
proves a detriment to the sick. Therefore, it behooves 
every nurse to guard her own thoughts and soul attitude, 
that she may maintain a constructive atmosphere about 
her patients and produce only such conditions as will 
prove beneficial to him. She will do well to keep her 
mind clean and her heart pure, that her silent influence 
may be healing, soothing and inspiring in its effect upon 
those under her care. 

The reputation of any institution rests largely upon 
the class and characters of its workers. Hospitals are 
no exception. As nurses constitute the greater portion 
of the associated workers in a hospital, its reputation 
necessarily rests primarily upon the general standard of 
its nurses. 

If patients and visitors enter a hospital and find the 
majority of nurses unclean, untidy and unwholesome, 
they naturally form a derogatory opinion of the place. 
They think of it as being unfit for clean people. They 
leave and give it a bad reputation. Intentionally or 
unintentionally this reputation spreads among the public 
until the hospital becomes generally affected thereby. 
' It is the duty of every nurse to protect the reputation 
of her training school by living assiduously to a high 
ideal of personal cleanliness. If she fails to do this she 
is unworthy to be numbered among its student nurses. 

The same holds true of her responsibility to the nurs- 
ing profession. Of all professions on earth the nursing 
profession should stand as an example of personal clean- 
liness. It, above all others, should be regarded as a 
paragon of purity and cleanliness. This, however, can 
be only if its members stand as individual exemplars of 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 243 

this virtue. Its general standard rests upon the average 
individual standards of the majority of its members. If 
its members stand for the highest in personal cleanliness, 
the profession likewise will represent the highest ideal 
of cleanliness. 

It therefore is the responsibility of every individual 
member of the nursing profession to stand as an exemplar 
of personal cleanliness, in order that the profession, as 
such, may stand as an exemplar to all other professions. 
It is a personal responsibility which the nurse owes to 
the profession. 

Every physician knows the essential importance of 
cleanliness in the sick-room. He appreciates the de- 
structive results of lack of cleanliness. He understands 
the disturbing results of an unclean nurse on the mental 
attitude of a patient. He is aware of the dire results 
of dirt. 

Because of his knowledge, almost every physician 
desires the assistance of a clean, pure, wholesome nurse 
who will exert a constructive, healing influence on his 
patients. If possible, he will employ only those who 
radiate the impression of personal cleanliness, for he is 
bound to look after the welfare of his patients. 

Usually when a physician calls a nurse to a case he 
trusts her sense of personal cleanliness. He takes for 
granted that she has learned the importance and the 
potency of this virtue. He has faith in her sense of 
responsibility. 

The nurse should keep in mind this responsibility to 
the physician — and to all concerned — and should 
strive to merit his good opinion by hewing rigidly to 
her line of scrupulous cleanliness. She owes it to him. 



244 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Personal Cleanliness Is the individual responsibility 
of every nurse. She owes it 

1. To herself as an individual intelligence. 

2. To her patients, for their protection and as an 
example. 

3. To her training school. 

4. To the profession. 

5. To the physician. 

6. To the public. 

Personal Uncleanliness is a temptation which, if in- 
dulged, leads only to failure, unhappiness and ultimate 
punishment for violation of Personal Responsibihty. 

The clean, conscientious, responsible nurse should 
make it a regular practice to bathe twice a day, whenever 
and wherever facihties permit. During the work of 
the day the body is employed in the process of eliminat- 
ing impurities. These impurities, in the form of dirt, 
lodge in the pores of the skin and on the surface of the 
body generally. To understand the full significance of 
this, scientists have discovered that the skin alone of 
every normal adult deposits upon its surface, every 24 
hours, not less than four ounces of effete matter. A 
warm, cleansing bath at night, with plenty of good soap, 
removes all this effete substance, opens the pores and 
leaves the body clean and sweet for its work of recupera- 
tion during sleep. Moreover, the warm bath causes 
relaxation and acts as a sedative to the physically and 
mentally tired person. 

Almost every individual, to a certain extent, perspires 
during his sleep. Perspiration carries with it the effete 
matter above referred to which, if allowed to remain on 
the skin and become dry, forms a layer over the surface 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 245 

of the skin and prevents elimination from the pores. 
A tepid or cool bath, with soap, should be taken in the 
morning, to remove this perspiration and effete matter 
so that the body may be clean and unsullied to begin 
the work of the day. 

Cold water is a wonderful tonic to the physical body. 
It is well to follow the morning bath with a cold shower 
or plunge, to keep the muscles toned up, to close the 
pores and prevent the catching of cold. 

This latter is beneficial, but not essential to cleanliness. 
The two baths a day, however, are of vital importance 
in keeping the body clean and healthful. 

Many people are hampered with the idea that frequent 
bathing is injurious to good health. This is simple 
folly! In many cases the idea is fostered because the 
individuals are too indolent to bathe oftener than once 
a month. It is a fact that water, if used with discretion, 
can have only a wholesome effect on the physical body. 

It is true that the idiosyncrasies of certain people 
lead them to believe that they cannot use warm or hot 
water beneficially. Others are convinced in their own 
minds that they derive ill effects from cold water. There 
are those who seem to think they cannot take shower 
baths. Others imagine they suffer from the cold plunge. 
And there are yet others who labor under the erroneous 
impression that they cannot take baths at all. These, 
however, are mere idiosyncrasies which can be overcome 
if necessity requires. Water, when properly and judi- 
ciously used, proves only beneficial. 

The nurse who desires to radiate cleanliness and purity 
and to prove a wholesome influence among her patients 
should put forth every effort thoroughly to wash her 



246 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

hair every week. If for any reason she finds it impossi- 
ble, then she should be careful to do it as often as circum- 
stances may permit. Long, thick hair, and the lack of 
ventilation, together with the excretions from the hair 
follicles, mixed with dust and grime, soon accumulate a 
most undesirable odor which is offensive to most people 
with even the most ordinary olfactory sensibilities. 
This odor is the bane of every woman, unless she is 
diligent in cleansing her hair and scalp frequently. It 
shows a lack of refinement and is most distressing to 
those who recognize it as a result of carelessness and 
uncleanliness. It arouses a sense of disgust and repul- 
sion among clean, wholesome people. 

We women all know that hair-washing is a burden. 
Nevertheless, we must remember the beauty of cleanli- 
ness and keep in mind that its results far more than 
offset the effort put forth to keep clean. And don't let 
any of us harbor the idea that water is injurious to the 
scalp. It is, indeed, a tonic which promotes hair growth 
and health. 

Let us be generous in the use of soap and water on our 
scalps in order that we may represent the highest degree 
of personal cleanliness. 

The hair and scalp are exposed as much to dirt, dust 
and grime as are the face and hands, and often more so 
than the body. We would not think of allowing our 
faces to remain unwashed for three or four weeks. Nor 
would we think of allowing our bodies to go unbathed for 
that length of time. Neither should we allow the dust, 
dirt or filth to accumulate in our hair for weeks and 
perhaps months at a time. 

No nurse, under any circumstances, ever should retire 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 247 

from one case and enter upon another without first 
thoroughly washing her hair and scalp, carefully bathing 
her body, cleansing her mouth and teeth, and changing 
all her clothing. One duty is just as essential as another 
in the cause of cleanliness and protection. 

The mouth is known to be the lodging place of germs 
of every description. It sometimes is called "the hot- 
bed of germs." It is one of the most difficult parts of the 
human body to keep clean. Every effort should be made 
by the nurse to render her mouth as germ-proof as possible, 
by cleansing her teeth with a reliable tooth powder or 
paste every morning upon arising, after each meal and 
before retiring. A strong, antiseptic mouth-wash should 
be used twice a day. This is absolutely essential to 
cleanliness. 

Well-kept finger nails are a mark of good breeding 
and refinement. Neglected and unsightly nails bespeak 
coarseness and carelessness. They signify lack of 
refinement. If a nurse wishes to appear clean and 
refined she must give daily attention to her nails. It is 
not necessary that they be highly manicured and pol- 
ished. In fact, this is unprofessional and out of place. 
But it is essential that the nails be filed short, neatly 
trimmed and kept clean. The cuticle, or soft skin 
around the lower edge, must be pushed back daily so 
that it may not be allowed to accumulate and serve as 
a refuge for germs. Neither must hang-nails be allowed 
to develop; for these have proven germ-carriers and 
often cause infection. Although it is not considered 
so by all nurses, nevertheless, the fingernails are an 
important feature of a nurse's — as well as of any lady's 
— toilet. They must be kept immaculate, with no accu- 



248 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

mulation of dirt under their tips. For this purpose it is 
well for every nurse to carry with her a small pocket file 
in order that she may be equipped to attend to this 
seemingly insignificant, but really essential item of 
cleanliness. 

The underclothing must be changed frequently, for 
upon it is accumulated the effete matter discharged 
from the body daily. A nurse should provide herself 
simple but abundant underwear that she may be free to 
change whenever necessary. In some cases, where 
perspiration is excessive, or in contagious cases, it may 
be necessary to change every dayj^jor every other day. 
In such cases the plain garments are more serviceable 
inasmuch as they are cheaply laundered. Nurses must 
be scrupulous about their under-garments, because 
this is important to their own physical protection against 
disease, as well as for the protection of their patients. 

They must keep themselves clean, tidy and inviting 
in outward appearance, for this insures respect and in- 
vites success. 

And lastly, but by no means of least importance, 
nurses must keep their hands clean by frequent cleansing 
with soap and water. There is no part of the human 
body which is more exposed to dirt, and which 
proves a greater germ-carrier and distributor, than the 
hands. These members of the body are forced into filth 
of all kinds and are an open sesame to infection. The 
only way to keep them clean and free from germs is by 
the diligent and frequent use of soap, warm water and 
a hand brush. It is well always to use a hand lotion, for 
water has a tendency to cause chap. The resulting 
cracks become a harbor for germs. 



PERSONAL UNCLEANLINESS 249 

The nurse should make it a matter of routine to wash 
her hands each time after handling a patient and each 
time before working over another. She must not shirk 
this responsibility, because it is vitally important to her 
work and success. 

These points of cleanliness are all important to the 
life and success of any nurse. She should be assiduous 
in fulfilling each of these duties, for every one is an 
important element in the deep, personal responsibihty 
to herself, to her patients, to the hospital, to the profes- 
sion, to the physician and to the public. 

"Who shall abide in the tents of the Lord? Who 
shall ascend into his holy hill? He that hath clean hands 
and a pure heart. ^^ 

Never was there a more vital truism. 



CHAPTER XXVI 

The Ideal Nurse 

Whose Ideal? Mine? Yours? Any other indi- 
viduars? By no means. Then whose? 

The ideal nurse herein presented is not an individual 
ideal, but a universal one composed of the general, 
constructive characteristics of womanhood. She is not 
intended to represent any one person, but many persons 
in one. She is not depicted as a consummated piece of 
art or skill, but merely as a sound, substantial basis 
upon which a construction may safely be builded. She 
constitutes, not an individual's goal, but a pathway 
whereby he may reach his goal; not a finished picture, 
but a simple sketch, or outline. She is given as raw 
material containing all the essential elements of nourish- 
ment, and ready for preparation, deglutition and assimi- 
lation by the individual; but she is not predigested food. 
She is a life-giving seed awaiting germination. She is 
not a full-grown tree bearing fruit. She is a diamond in 
the rough, containing the undeveloped beauty, the 
durability, the potency, the inherent qualities of the 
precious jew^el; but she is not the polished, priceless gem, 
completed. She is not a finished structure, but merely 
the pattern of such structure, awaiting completion by 
the indi\dduaL 

The Ideal Nurse referred to in this chapter is not my 
ideal ; nor is she your ideal ; neither is she the ideal of any 

250 



THE IDEAL NURSE 251 

other one individual. She is a nurse whose character 
embodies the composite of constructive, fundamental 
concepts and characteristics of individual life which are 
admired and accepted by all intelligent people. She is 
a composite, substantial basis ujpon which the individual's 
ideal may safely and permanently be builded. She is a 
composite of Good, constituting a general pattern, or 
model, approved by all intelligent humanity. 

In other words, she is a carefully prepared blue-print 
constituting the plans in conformity with which may be 
erected each individual's personal ideal of the Temple of 
his own Character. 

The Ideal Nurse is builded upon the foundation plan 
of the ideal woman. In dealing with the subject of the 
Ideal Nurse we necessarily must deal with the subject 
of the ideal woman, for the former cannot exist without 
the latter. The fundamentals of the ideal woman are 
the basis of the Ideal Nurse. 

Both Temples — those of the ideal woman and of 
the Ideal Nurse — are erected upon the same general 
plan and foundation. Both are constructed with the 
same tools. Both are finished identically in general 
construction. 

The Ideal Woman proceeds to build her Temple upon 
the foundation of certain fundamental elements of 
character. She has her definite plan and purpose in 
view. Her Temple is successfully constructed upon this 
plan and according to this purpose. 

When the building is completed the attention of the 
Ideal Woman is drawn to the work of nursing. She 
studies along this line, becomes interested in it, and 
decides to dedicate her Temple to this new and special 



252 THE HIGHER x^SPECT OF NURSING 

service. Immediately her time, attention and energies 
and, in fact, the Temple itself, are devoted to nursing 
the sick. She becomes highly efficient in the work. 
She becomes the Ideal Nurse. 

The Ideal Nurse is but the Ideal Woman with her 
attention and energies concentrated upon a definite 
hne of endeavor. She is the Ideal Woman with some- 
thing added. She is the Ideal Woman augmented by 
a definite field of work. She is the Ideal Woman with 
her energies concentrated on, and dedicated to, the work 
of nursing. She is the Ideal Woman plus the special 
traim'ng and education of the nurse. 
. Because the Ideal Nurse is builded upon the Ideal 
Woman, the fundamental elements of character of the 
Ideal Nurse, given in this chapter, necessarily are the 
fundamental elements of character of the Ideal Woman. 
They apply both to the Ideal Nurse and to the Ideal 
Woman. They constitute the basis, or foundation, 
upon which may be built the Temple of Ideal Woman- 
hood and the Temple of the Ideal Nurse. 

Every Temple erected in the past for the benefit of 
all generations — present and unborn — has been erected 
upon some lofty eminence beside the broad Highway 
of Life. Each has been erected as a Temple of Light to 
guide the footsteps of the weary wayfarer as he travels 
his path of Individual Life, and to inspire him ever on- 
ward to greater endeavor and more strenuous personal 
effort. Each has displayed an illumination upon its 
highest point, radiating its silvery rays over the dark 
Valleys of Discouragement, Despondency and Despair. 

Each Temple erected for, and dedicated to, the Ser\nce 
of Humanity should be constructed upon a prominent 



THE IDEAL NURSE 253 



and conspicuous site along the Journey of Life, that it 
may be within the vision of, and accessible to, all trav- 
elers who chance to pass that way in the ages to come. 

The Ideal Nurse contemplates erecting a Temple of 
Individual Character, dedicated to the Service of Hu- 
manity. It is to be constructed upon the lofty Mount 
of Service, beside the Highway of Life, where it shall 
stand in sight of, accessible to, and an inspiration for 
all those wanderers whose footsteps may, by chance, 
be led to pass that way. 

She is about to begin her work. Let us follow her, 
step by step, with attention and interest, as she proceeds 
with the construction of her individual Temple, that we 
may learn the lessons of life exemplified thereby. 

THE IDEAL NURSE'S TEMPLE OF CHARACTER 
LOCATION 

The Mount Of Service, Beside Life's Highway 

Two important and essential facts directed the Ideal 
Nurse in locating her Temple upon the Mount of Service : 

1. This Mount lies beside the much traveled Path 
of Life, where daily manyj^wayfarers journey hither and 
thither along their way of Individual Life. It is a con- 
spicuous, prominent site which may be seen over immense 
distances in every direction. 

A Temple erected upon such a site would be a beacon- 
light in clear view of all weary wanderers plodding along 
the road, beckoning them ever onward to its shelter of 
peace and quiet. It would be accessible to them as a 
haven of rest and refreshment, comfort and sym- 
pathy, in their arduous journey. It would be an inspira- 
tion to each to erect for himself a similar Temple, whose 



254 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

doors should be open to those wayfarers who later might 
travel the same path, and who, like themselves, might 
be in need of rest, comfort, sympathy, or advice. 

2. The Mount is solid, substantial, strong and 
enduring. 

A Temple constructed upon it, as a ground foundation, 
would be sustained throughout the ages to come against 
Nature's elements. It would be safely and naturally 
protected from the floods of Selfishness, Vanity and 
Greed. It would be guarded wisely against the storms 
of Criticism, Opposition and Inconvenience, It would 
be unshaken by the destructive winds of Self- Pity, 
Morbidness and Depression. It would be unharmed 
by the seismic cataclysms of internal Discouragement, 
Despondency and Despair. It would stand solid and 
secure, always a refuge to those passers-by who find 
themselves drawn toward the maelstrom of Individual 
Destruction. 

PURPOSE 

A TEMPLE FOR SELF-UNFOLDMENT AND SERVICE TO 
HUMANITY 

This Temple is to be erected for a twofold purpose: 
1. It is to be a workshop wherein its owner may unfold 
the latent faculties, capacities and powers of her own 
soul, learn her own abilities and capabilities, extend her 
knowledge of self and of her environment and, by con- 
stant use, develop the natural gifts bestowed upon her 
by Nature, or the Great Universal Intelligence. 

It is to be a laboratory wherein she may experiment 
with her own soul, analyze her own character, apply the 
acid tests of Hardships, Misfortunes, Disappointments 



THE IDEAL NURSE ^55 

and Trials, and out of the experimental crucible gather 
the pure metal of the constructive elements of her charac- 
ter and discard the dross and impurities constituting 
the destructive elements. 

2. It is to be a building dedicated to the service of 
humanity in general, and to the sick and the suffering 
in particular. It is to be a shelter wherein all her 
fellowmen — the sick and the well, the joyful and the 
sorrowful, the contented and the discontented, the nor- 
mal and the abnormal — may enter for rest, refreshment, 
comfort, sympathy, advice and help. It is to be a struc- 
ture for the purpose of educating and improving the 
general condition and circumstances of all suffering 
humanity, in all right ways and by all constructive 
methods. It is to be a Temple erected specifically for 
the purpose of nursing the weak and weary, educating 
them in the principles of physical and mental soundness, 
and directing their faltering footsteps along the flower- 
strewn Road of Health. 

TOOLS 
INTEIXIGENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS, WILL 

Every worthy builder possesses his own tools and the 
knowledge of how to use them. 

The Ideal Nurse possesses her own tools — Intelligence, 
Consciousness and Will — and the knowledge of how to 
use them efficiently. 

Intelligence is the instrument with which she directs 
all her essential labors, as well as her detail work. As 
she proceeds with her duties of making beds, administer- 
ing medicines, taking temperatures and giving treat- 
ments, we readily observe that her intelligence is busy 



^56 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

along with her hands, directing them in right performance 
and correcting any and all mistakes. We realize that 
her mind is fixed directly upon the thing she is doing, 
even though it be only a routine duty. We note that 
all her work is done intelligently and efficiently. We 
see her deftly wielding her tool of Intelligence as she 
entertains her convalescent patients. We mark her 
wisely applying it in her endeavor to educate them in 
the art and process of gaining and maintaining health. 
We become aware of her skilful utilization of it in specific 
study, general reading and careful observation, all as a 
means of increasing her storehouse of knowledge. We 
regard her adroitly employing it in directing her own 
construction work — that of building the Temple of her 
own Character. 

A Wakeful Consciousness is her second tool. By 
means of it she is able to sense the external world about 
her and the internal condition of her own being. With 
it she readily can observe all details about her and note 
any decided change in the general atmosphere in which 
she moves. It enables her tcj detect physical or mental 
variations in her patients. It keeps her alert to her own 
internal condition and ready to detect the presence of 
any destructive agent within her Sanctum Sanctorum. 
Its application to the work prepares her to receive any 
and all impressions which come to her; for she knows that 
the impressions of the external world impinge upon the 
consciousness and become transmuted into personal 
experience, thereby increasing the general store of her 
knowledge. 

Will is the instrument with which she sets in motion 
all the machinery of her being and keeps it in active 



THE IDEAL NURSE 257 

operation. It is the Primary Power which sets in motion 
all her other powers. It is the instrument of force 
which propels the entire working of her machinery. It 
is the driving-power of all her mechanism. 

FOREMAN 

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Any work of construction must be under the personal 
supervision of a general foreman who assumes the re- 
sponsibility .of directing and overseeing the work. 

Personal Responsibility is the general foreman in the 
Temple of the Ideal Nurse. It directs and supervises 
her general construction work, requiring that all impor- 
tant and detail work be well performed and that the build- 
ing be erected according to the general plan and its 
accompanying specifications. 

A high sense of Personal Responsibility is woven, 
like a silver thread, into the character of the Ideal Nurse. 
Its shining beauty casts a radiance of strength and cheer- 
fulness over her entire life, sustaining her as she runs 
the gauntlet of Life's trials and tribulations. 

Her study of the sublime and inexorable Law of 
Personal Responsibility has resulted in the knowledge 
that she is obliged to live her own life according to her 
own standards of Equity, Justice and Right, and not 
according to those of any other individual. It has 
taught her that this obligation is one fixed upon her by 
Nature from the beginning; and that failure to fulfil the 
obligation results in just and inevitable punishment. 

This profound knowledge impels her always to live 
her life to the highest, fullest and best. She constructs 

17 



258 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

her life, from day to day, upon this indestructible basis 
and enduring foundation. In her soul she keeps the 
light of this truth brightly burning that the pathway 
of Right may be illumined for her and that her footsteps 
may be guided safely along its course. 

The knowledge of her personal obligation gives her 

1. The confidence and courage to forge ahead, living 
her own life, pursuing her own course of action, erecting 
and striving toward her own ideals and upholding her 
own convictions as best she knows, according to her own 
knowledge and ability, regardless of criticism or opposi- 
tion, firm in the conviction that none other can do it for 
her. 

2. A deep understanding of moral accountability and 
of her responsibility to her fellowmen in the work and 
the social relation. 

3. The inspiration to perform all her duties, fulfil all 
her obligations and discharge all her responsibilities to 
the best of her knowledge and ability at all times. 

4. A greater appreciation of the Law of Unselfish 
Service and its results. 

5. An impetus toward Self-Unfoldment. 

6. A definite means for determining Right from Wrong 
— for her own conscience must guide her. 

7. A realization of the fact that she has neither 
sanction nor right to render judgment upon others. 

8. A wholesome respect for the immutable Law of 
Compensation. 

With this knowledge in her soul, the Ideal Nurse 
proceeds in her construction work, day after day, deter- 
mined in her effort to fulfil the Law of her Being, the 
Law of Personal Responsibility, the Law which demands 



THE IDEAL NURSE 259 

of her that she live her life according to her own highest 
standards and ideals of Equity, Justice and Right. 

GENERAL PLAN 

WOMANHOOD, MORALITY, NURSING 

The general plan of the Temple shows that it is to 
consist of three rooms, and that these are of equal size : 

1. A room wherein are to live and develop her ideals 
of Womanhood, 

2. A room containing her ideals of Morality. 

3. A room wherein her ideals of Nursing may be ex- 
emplified and preserved. 

FOUNDATION 

STABILITY AND STRENGTH OF CHARACTER 

This Temple of Individual Character is being erected 
upon the solid and permanent foundation of Stability 
and Strength of Character. 

The Ideal Nurse has learned from personal experience 
and observation that a house builded on shifting sands 
inevitably will topple and fall. She therefore takes 
precautions to build wisely and safely, for her Temple is 
to be a permanent structure. 

Deep down within the inner confines of her soul she 
has a definite, specific, fixed ideal of life toward which 
she is striving. Each hour of her life the picture of this 
ideal is in her consciousness and before her mind, per- 
manent, immutable, undeviating. This unchanging 
picture ever before her makes her steadfast, immobile, 
firm and unwavering in her purpose to conform her life 



260 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

to such standards and principles as will lead to this 
ideal. Day after day she possesses the same constant, 
established, fixed determination to reach the one goal. 
This continued fixedness of purpose produces a stability 
of character which renders her invincible against all 
outside influences. 

She possesses within herself the force, or the power, 
which sustains her in her endeavor to reach the goal 
of her ideal. This force urges and impels her onward 
along her path of Right. It sustains her in all her strug- 
gles. It gives her a strength of character which makes 
of her a power among her fellowmen and associates. 
It is the force behind the determination — the man behind 
the gun. 

This kind of stability and strength of character is the 
solid and permanent foundation upon which the Ideal 
Nurse is constructing her artistic and serviceable Tem- 
ple of Character. Upon such foundation it shall remain 
throughout the ages unmoved, unshaken, undestroyed 
by the storms of life. 

SUPERSTRUCTURE 

SEJ.F-CONTROL, SELF-RESPECT, SELF-RELIANCE, 
SELF-POISE 

These four essential elements of Individual Character 
constitute the four walls, or the superstructure, of the 
building. 

Self-Control is the Primary Duty of every individual 
soul. The builder of this Temple understands this 
Duty and fulfils it. In all her work and at all times we 
find her exercising control over all the appetites, passions. 



THE IDEAL NURSE 261 

emotions, desires and impulses of her being. By the 
power of her Will she restrains these impulses, passions 
or emotions; or diverts, represses, or converts them into 
constructive energies. She is, under all circumstances, 
the Arbiter of her Being, the Master of her own Soul. 

Self-Respect is the legitimate result of her consistent 
attitude of soul. Her high sense of Personal Responsi- 
bility, her lofty ideals, her constructive efforts to live 
her life to the noblest and highest, her persistent endeavor 
to do right, assure her the lawful compensation of her 
own Self-Respect to which she is justly entitled. She 
possesses a justifiable and sufficient Self-Respect. 

Self-Reliance is one of her powerful assets. We note 
the Ideal Nurse always maintaining confidence in, and 
relying upon, her own abilities, faculties, capacities and 
powers. She believes in herself; she uses her own eyes, 
listens with her own ears, stands on her own feet, and 
leans upon her own strength. Never do we find her 
seeking the help, sympathy or cooperation of others in 
the solution of any problem until first her own resources 
have been tried, tested, and have failed. Never do we 
find her unloading responsibility onto the shoulders of 
others until first she has learned her own inability to 
carry it. She is Self-Reliant first, last and always, in 
the knowledge of her own natural gifts and abilities. 

Self -Poise is one of her beautiful charms. In the 
profession, in the business world, in society, in any un- 
expected or trying situation we see her always Self- 
Possessed and mentally balanced as a result of her 
internal and external Self-Control. Always she is in 
perfect equipoise and equilibrium under any and all 



262 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

trying conditions. This makes of her a charming, 
mature, strong woman of grace, dignity and reserve. 
Upon these four walls of strength within herself she 
erects the superstructure of her Temple. 

ROOF 

CHARITABLENESS 

Every complete edifice is covered with a roof. The 
Temple under construction is covered with the roof of 
Charitableness. 

The soul of the Ideal Nurse is filled with the spirit of 
Charitableness for all humanity. She is ever ready to 
forget unpleasant things and quick to forgive her enemies 
for any offense. She is always generous in overlooking 
the faults and failures of her fellowmen and associates. 
She is kind to those who persecute her and good to those 
who love her. She is willing at all times to render service 
to those who need, whether the need be of the physical, 
the spiritual, or the moral kind. She is prepared always 
to lend a hand to the fallen and help them to rise again. 
She stands ever beckoning onward those weary and care- 
worn who are struggling along the path she has traveled. 
She gives food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, 
medicine to the sick, courage to the disheartened, joy 
to the sorrowful, hope to the discouraged, faith to the 
despondent, sympathy to the suffering, relief to the 
oppressed and inspiration to the strong. She is kind, 
gentle and loving with children. She is helpful, in- 
spiring and unselfish toward adults. She is thoughtful, 
considerate and courteous to the aged. In other words, 
she exemplifies Charity to all mankind. 



THE IDEAL NURSE 263 

FLOOR 
HONESTY, SINCERITY, LOYALTY, COURAGE 

Honesty, Sincerity^ Loyalty and Courage constitute 
the material out of which the various floors of the 
Temple are laid. These are equally strong and sub- 
stantial and, when dovetailed together, establish a firm 
support upon which the character of the Ideal Nurse 
may safely and permanently rest. 

Honesty is a cardinal characteristic of the builder. 
It manifests itself in all her professional work, in all her 
business dealings and in all her social relations. It 
betrays itself in all her words and actions. It reveals 
itself in all her motives and intentions. In all she says 
and does she clings assiduously to the exemplification of 
Truth in her everyday life. 

Sincerity — one of the most salient traits of her charac- 
ter — is evident at all times in her motives and intentions. 
Her words of cheer, her expressions of loyalty and 
inspiration, her acts of forgiveness, her interest in per- 
sons and things, her deeds of service, all bespeak true 
Sincerity. Never do we find her giving an expression 
of insincerity; for her soul is sincere, and her outward 
manner represents her inner attitude. She is straight- 
forward, candid, frank and above-board in all her words 
and actions, thus exemplifying the real sincerity of her 
character. 

Loyalty abides deep in the soul of our guide and is 
prominent as a mark of her character. As we follow her 
in her work we find her ever true to her own standard 
and ideals of Right, in its relation to her work, to her 
fellowmen and to herself. She is true to the profession 



264 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

and to the work of nursing, and stands as a living 
example in her efforts to better their standard and reputa- 
tion. Where duty calls she is a ready servant to help, 
protect, fight, or even give her life for them. She is 
staunch in her fealty and allegiance to the cause she has 
espoused. She does not adversely criticize nor gossip 
about her neighbors, associates, or patients, to a third 
person, unless she is satisfied some good is to result. 
She is loyal to them always. To herself she is faithful 
in that she lives up to her own standards and ideals of 
Right in the face of all obstacles. 

Courage — physical and moral — is hers in great abun- 
dance. In her it is a prime and laudable virtue. When 
once she is satisfied that a thing is right and just she 
clings to it and fights for it in the face of all opposition, 
inconvenience, difficulty, or criticism. Nothing can 
divert her attention from it nor awaken fear within her. 
If she believes in the righteousness of the thing itself 
she waives obstacles, rolls aside the stones of obstruction, 
and forces her way along the straight and narrow path 
as she sees it, without fear of the vicious animals she 
may encounter, nor of the encumbrances she may meet 
on the way. She is fearless, unwavering, unfaltering, 
unafraid, physically and morally. The confidence in 
her own judgment and ability gives her the undaunted 
courage to live by, fight for and maintain her own con- 
victions of Right. 

MAIN ENTRANCE 

PERSEVERANCE, PHYSICAJ. AND SPIRITUAL 
REFINEMENT 

Perseverance is the outside door of the structure. 
Physical and Spiritual Refinement is the inside door. 



THE IDEAL NURSE ^65 

Together they compose the main entrance into the inner 
sanctum of the Temple. 

The Ideal Nurse has a steady, plodding, persisting 
spirit which impels her to stay by anything she under- 
takes until it is satisfactorily accomplished. She fixes 
definitely in mind the thing she desires to accomplish 
and remains with it until it is finished. During the 
work of accomplishment she overlooks diversion. She 
despises delay. She shuns failure, and she gains her end. 
The greater the hindrance that presents itself and the 
more diflScult the task seems, the more determined she 
becomes and the more strenuous the efforts she puts 
forth. 

Her persistent spirit resembles that of the patient, 
little ant as it sets out on a journey for the acquisition 
of food. In spite of obstacles, in spite of high winds, 
in spite of enemies, and in spite of the incumbrances of 
her load, she keeps her vision directed toward her goal 
and perseveres until finally the end is accomplished. 
This steady, plodding, persisting spirit within makes 
failure an enemy unknown to her; for however long it 
may be and however arduous the way, she holds on 
determined until success is attained. 

The consistent, constructive attitude of soul and mind 
maintained by the Ideal Nurse, together with the perfect 
cleanliness of her physical body and the purity of her 
thoughts and language, give her a general, physical 
refinement of skin, features and magnetism which 
impresses itself upon all with whom she comes in contact. 
They give her a physical refinement which is soothing, 
healing and inspiring to those associated with her. 

Her spiritual refinement is analogous to the physical, 



Q66 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

but on a more exalted plane, and has the same beautiful, 
helpful effect on others. It makes of her a charming, 
delightful personaUty, welcome and acceptable to all 
classes of people. 

DOORS 

INTEREST IN ALL ACTIVITIES OF LIFE, MENTAL AND 

PHYSICAL CLEANLINESS, LOVE FOR WORK 

AND PATIENTS 

General Interest in All Activities of Life constitutes 
the door leading to the Room of Womanhood. 

We see the Ideal Nurse actively interested in all clean, 
physical and mental sports. She takes her place in 
out-door and in-door physical gymnastics, entering 
into them enthusiastically, deriving pleasure therefrom, 
developing and training her physical body and keeping 
it in a healthy condition. We find her interested in any 
and all sorts of intellectual pursuits, showing her desire for 
general knowledge. We note her interest in lectures, in 
literature, in current events, in social Hfe and in general 
welfare work. We discover her love of art, of music, 
of science; her application to all phases and branches of 
her work. We detect her fixed attention to the acqui- 
sition of information and knowledge in all subjects of 
general interest. We observe her endeavoring, at every 
step of the way, to develop herself into a well-rounded, 
many-sided, versatile woman. We appreciate her 
interest in all activities of Hfe and her effort to improve 
herself normally and equally in her triune nature — the 
physical, the spiritual and the psychical. 

Her love for the work of nursing and for her patients is 
the door leading into the Room of Nursing. Her life 
and energies are devoted to the work of caring for the sick 



THE IDEAL NURSE 267 

and the helpless. While on duty her mind and attention 
are fixed sedulously upon the work in hand. She grows 
neither wearied, discouraged, nor disheartened; for her 
love of the work sustains her throughout all the hard- 
ships with which she must contend. She is broad- 
minded. This, together with her belief in and knowledge 
of the higher side of life, keeps her from falling into the 
drudgery of mechanical work. Her interest in and study 
of her patients, each as an individual intelligence, gives 
an added zest to her work and leads away from the 
monotony of nursing mere physical instruments. Her 
love for the work and for her patients is an important 
factor which makes of her the Nurse Ideal. 

The Room of Morality is entered through the door of 
Mental and Physical Cleanliness. 

The mind and thoughts of the Master Builder are 
clean, pure and refined. Smutty jokes, coarse language, 
crude entertainment and immoral companionship find 
no place with her. She derives pleasure only from those 
persons and things which represent the good, the beauti- 
ful and the pure. Her thoughts are lofty; her mind is 
clean; her soul is pure. 

Her physical body is scrupulously clean, for an unclean 
body cannot harbor a clean mind. The Ideal Nurse is 
not vain, yet she is thoughtful and careful of her physical 
cleanliness and neatness, and devotes sufficient time to 
keeping her body immaculately sweet, wholesome, 
charming and beautiful to look upon. The atmosphere 
in which she moves is redolent with the perfume of 
wholesomeness, cleanliness, neatness and perfect health. 
She represents a picture of delightful womanhood. 
She portrays the essence of true morality. 



268 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

WINDOWS 
FRANKNESS, COURTESY, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS 

Through the windows of Frankness, Courtesy, Kind- 
ness and Gentleness the Ideal Nurse looks out upon the 
world and views her fellowmen. 

The Frankness of her soul is manifest in all her dealings. 
She is frank and candid in expressing her views, convic- 
tions and opinions. She is not obtrusive in this, nor 
is she dogmatic. She is kind and gentle, but positive 
and firm in expressing her position on any and all ques- 
tions and subjects. There is no effort to mislead her 
fellowmen through any lack of perfect frankness nor 
from subterfuge of any kind. She is frank, candid and 
honest at all times. 

Her genuine, sincere Courtesy to all with whom she 
meets is a quality of character worthy of emulation. 
The spirit of Courtesy is exemplified toward her inferiors 
and superiors alike. All, in her mind, are human intelli- 
gences worthy of her courteous consideration under all 
circumstances and conditions. 

The work and general associations of the Ideal Nurse 
are beautified by the Kindness and Gentleness of her 
soul. Her patients feel safe in the knowledge that they 
wiU be dealt with kindly and gently, however irritable, 
cross and obstinate they may be as a result of their 
suffering. Her junior nurses know that her authority 
is not enforced with the bludgeon of sharpness or severity, 
but is exercised always with Kindness and Gentleness. 
Her fello^Tnen and associates feel secure in seeking her 
help, for they know they will be met with the kindly. 



THE IDEAL NURSE 269 

gentle spirit of willing service. All passers-by are at- 
tracted and inspired by the light within her soul which 
shines forth through the open windows of Kindness and 
Gentleness. 

COLOR SCHEME 

CHEERFULNESS, AMBITION, UNSELFISH SYMPATHY, 
MENTAL ALERTNESS 

As we follow the Ideal Nurse into her Temple we find 
its color scheme to be one of exquisite beauty and refine- 
ment. It is composed of the four primary shades of 
Cheerfulness^ Ambition, Unselfish Sympathy and Mental 
Alertness, All are positive colors so combined as to 
develop a soft, quieting harmony and produce the 
beautiful, pastel shades so admired by all visitors privi- 
leged to pass within the main entrance of the building. 

Cheerfulness adds color to life. The responsibilities, 
duties, obligations and acts of the Ideal Nurse all are 
beautified by the rich coloring of Cheerfulness. She has 
long past learned the lesson that no duty is fully per- 
formed unless it is done in the spirit of true Cheerfulness. 
She has discovered through hard experience that mor- 
bidness brings unhappiness to herself and to all about her 
and causes her to be shunned by her comrades and 
associates. She has come to the knowledge that depres- 
sion, morbidness and moods are a mere waste of time 
and energy, a diversion from constructive accomplish- 
ment and a hindrance in the construction of her Tem- 
ple. She has arrived at an understanding of the fact 
that morbidness is a somber, dull color which produces 
a depressing effect upon people and impels them to 
escape from the distressing influence and atmosphere 



270 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

in which they find themselves. The lesson of Cheer- 
fulness has become a part of her life; and each day finds 
her exerting greater personal effort to exemplify the 
spirit and to radiate the beauty of true, consistent 
Cheerfulness. 

She combines the deep coloring of Worthy Ambition 
with that of Cheerfulness. 

Her ambitions and aspirations are of a lofty, unselfish 
kind which mean success and joy to others besides 
herself. They are of the kind which impel her on to 
greater achievement and more forceful effort. The 
color adds beauty, grace and depth of tone to the in- 
terior of the building, making it an interesting and 
delightful resting place where one may receive the 
impetus for constructing a similar Temple. 

Unselfish Sympathy is a color whose beauty is admired 
by all people. In time it inevitably produces a con- 
structive result upon aU who admire it. Its positive- 
ness attracts attention. Its unobtrusive ness invites 
closer examination. Its quiet harmony produces a sooth- 
thing, uplifting, ennobling effect. 

The Ideal Nurse, realizing the potencies of its quality, 
has used it freely in her color scheme. Everywhere we 
see touches of it as we follow her from the Room of 
Womanhood into the Room of Nursing and thence into 
the Room of Morality. Visitors to the Temple revel in 
its beauty. Patients are stimulated, ennobled and 
benefited by its genuineness. Fellow travelers are 
blessed and inspired by its purity. The hearts and souls 
of the cold and selfish are warmed by its quiet harmony. 
The Temple itself is enhanced and glorified by its 
unobtrusive, positive harmony. 



THE IDEAL NURSE 271 

Mental Alertness is the dominant color in the scheme. 
It is the active, decisive color which adds just suflScient 
brightness to give life and character to the entire color 
scheme. 

As we proceed with her along her path we note fre- 
quent dashes of this Mental Alertness in the artistic 
building. We are made conscious of the fact that the 
mentality of the builder is always active along some 
special line of thought, or engrossed with some subject 
of interest to her. Her mind constantly is occupied 
with some constructive idea, or employed in solving 
some problem. Every moment of her waking life she 
is busy wrestling with some thought or idea. This 
alertness of intellect adds zest to her character and 
interest to her personality, and makes of her a perpetual 
tonic and stimulant to all her associates, whether they 
be mentally asleep or awake. It increases her strength 
and potency as a living example to her fellowmen, and 
makes of her a power among womankind. 

EQUIPMENT 
INDUSTRY AND EFFICIENCY 

The Temple is equipped simply but substantially with 
the modest, appropriate furnishings of Industry and 
Efficiency, As one enters the Temple with the Ideal 
Nurse he immediately is impressed by the utility, the 
simplicity and the richness of the equipment. He is 
made to feel the grandeur and dignity of the owner 
whose sense of values has impelled her to avoid extensive, 
sumptuous or gaudy furnishings, and to install only 
those which add to comfort, growth and satisfaction. 



272 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Industry and Efficiency are well developed in the 
builder, for she has devoted much time to gaining 
Efficiency through Industry. Mental and physical 
activity have eliminated indolence and procrastination 
from her soul. They have forced her, through work 
and study, to become highly efficient in her work and in 
all responsibilities which she assumes. They have made 
of her an industrious woman whose constant endeavor 
is accomplishment. Industry and Efficiency work 
together. They are to be found together in all stages 
of life. When applied together as equipment success 
becomes inevitable. With this knowledge in mind the 
Ideal Nurse uses them as furnishings for her Temple. 
As a result success is hers in all her undertakings. 

DECORATIONS 

TACT, TOLERATION, PATIENCE, FORBEARANCE, 
HUMILITY, TRUSTWORTHINESS 

A beautiful structure is rendered unsightly by in- 
harmonious decorations. In the Temple of Individual 
Character the Ideal Nurse has chosen carefully and 
critically the decorations to be placed therein, that the 
beauty and simplicity of the structure might be main- 
tained throughout. With exquisite and cultured refine- 
ment of taste she amply and consistently applied the 
dignified, majestic and stately decorations of Tacty 
Toleration^ Patience, Humility and Trustworthiness. 
The eflfect produced is that of permanent beauty and k 
stimulant to active service. 

The character of the Ideal Nurse is elegantly and 
harmoniously decorated by the intelligent Tact in her 



THE IDEAL NURSE 273 

everyday associations when, with acute mental discern- 
ment, she studies the best course of action to pursue in 
dealing with her fellowmen so as not to give offense. 
If we could but follow her in her relationship vf ith people 
of every class and every character we should always find 
her carefully anticipating the best method — under the 
given circumstances — of exemplifying her own standard of 
Equity, Justice and Hight, in such manner as to render 
them acceptable and inoffensive to others. We should 
find her unusually successful in establishing pleasant 
and agreeable relations with all people because of her 
discernment in dealing with them and because of the 
gracious manner she has acquired through years of patient 
endeavor to exemplify Tact. 

Toleration, Patience and Forbearance constitute the 
permanent element in the decorative scheme, for daily 
these are being more exten-sively developed and more 
definitely established as a fixed part of her essential 
character. These three charitable and benevolent 
qualities of soul endear her to the hearts of friends and 
of enemies alike. They portray the sweet beneficence 
of the inner woman. They bespeak a breadth of sympa- 
thetic love which inevitably produces a constructive, 
uplifting effect upon the lowest and most sordid of men 
and inspires them to rise above and beyond the carnal 
life of their mundane plane. They prove a blessing to 
the faltering wayfarer whose footsteps are stumbling 
over the pathway which she has traveled. They become 
a joy and comfort to those who are unselfishly interested 
with her in the development of her Temple. 

Humility — the grace and simplicity of the decora- 
tions — banishes the spirit of Vanity from the master 

18 



274 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

builder and opens to view the modesty and symmetry 
of the soul dwelling within. The builder well recognizes 
her abilities, capabilities, faculties, capacities and powers, 
but she is not a victim of excessive or undue appreciation 
of these. She uses and applies them in a quiet, un- 
obtrusive manner, without gaudy display or ostentatious 
parade. Her knowledge of the essential values of life 
has given her a humility of soul not often found in women 
endowed with her natural gifts and abilities, and inspires 
her with the wholesome endeavor rightly to use her 
God-given advantages. 

The Temple decorated with the jewel of Trustworthi- 
ness is priceless. We who have followed the Ideal Nurse 
recognize the value of her construction; for we have seen, 
all along the way, the costly decoration appropriately 
and artistically installed with careful forethought. We 
have viewed its substantial beauties. We have reveled 
in its constant glitter. It has helped us to a deeper 
appreciation and a better understanding of the grandeur 
of the Temple and the worthiness of its occupant. 

DOME 
ALTRUISM 

The Temple is nearing completion. The builder is 
now employed in erecting the crowning structure. She 
is adding the finishing touches, as it were. 

The Dome is the architectural consummation of the 
Temple of Individual Character. It is covered with 
the gold leaf of Altruism, the beauty, purity, attraction, 
permanence and brilliancy of which represent the beauty, 
purity, attraction, permanence and brilliancy of the 
Master Builder's Character. 



THE IDEAL NURSE 275 

The Dome is being constructed as an architectural 
ornament to enhance the general beauty and attractive- 
ness of the building that it may appeal alike to the 
aesthetic and the practical individual. It is to give 
due and proper proportion to the completed structure 
that the completed building may stand as a consistent 
piece of artistic architecture and a monument of perfect, 
symmetrical beauty, as well as a completed accomplish- 
ment worthy of the time, energy and skill devoted to it 
by the Chief Architect. It shall add dignity, grace, 
distinction, elegance and finish to the Temple. It 
shall be the architectural climax of the entire building. 

It shall represent a beacon towering far above its sur- 
roundings to attract all wanderers traveling along the 
Journey of Life. It shall stand as a golden reflector 
upon a high eminence. Its brilliant rays are reflected 
in every direction and fix the attention of all those way- 
farers who travel within the limits of its radiance along 
their pathway of Individual Life. It shall be the invit- 
ing and welcoming signal to every weary, careworn soul 
who has fallen by the roadside of the broad Highway of 
Life. It shall be the radiant and crowning glory of the 
completed Temple. 

INFLUENCE 
MAGNETIC RADIATIONS 

The completed Temple of Individual Character is a 
structure of living force. It is a dynamo of vital energy. 
It is surcharged with a potent magnetism which radiates 
from it, enfolding and enveloping all who come within 
its limitations. 

This living, vital energy, or magnetism, is a mani- 



276 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

festation of the general atmosphere created by the in- 
termingling of all the potential, constructive agencies 
within the Temple. It is the general effect produced 
by the combination and attrition of the constructive 
characteristics of Individual Life. It is the result of the 
constructive attitude of soul consistently maintained by 
the Ideal Nurse. 

The magnetic radiations of this Temple of Life exert 
a helpful, uplifting, inspiring, impelling and exalting 
influence upon all those whose good fortune it is to come 
within its limits. No person v/hose footsteps have been 
guided to its door ever forgets the inspiration and joy 
of its constructive influence. There is no individual 
who has basked in the restfulness of its warm radiations 
but continues on his journey with stronger determina- 
tion and greater efforts. No being who once has reveled 
in the beauties of its architecture can ever forget its 
artistic harmony. No wanderer who has been blessed 
with the comfort and sympathy found within its portals 
ever ceases to be thankful for the gifts received. No 
soul who once has come within its potent influence ever 
entirely loses the effect of that influence, but is inspired 
and impelled to go forth along his Journey of Life and 
construct for himself a similar Temple of Individual 
Character which shall stand throughout the ages as a 
living monument of Strength, Harmony, Beauty and 
Beneficent Influence, erected upon the substantial basis 
of Personal Effort and Constructive Endeavor. 

Thus stands completed the Temple of Individual 
Character builded by the Ideal Nurse. 

Here it stands as a living pattern to inspire all who are 



THE IDEAL NURSE 277 



seeking to erect a worthy Temple for themselves wherein 
to serve the Cause of Truth and Humanity. 

Here it will ever stand to inspire those who are seeking 
the Light of Truth and striving to walk in the Evolu- 
tionary Path of its glorious radiance. 

RECAPITULATION 

THE TEMPLE 

LOCATION 

The Mount of Service, beside Life's Highway 

PURPOSE 

A Temple for Self-Unfoldment and Service to 
, Humanity 

TOOLS 

Intelligence, Consciousness, Will 

FOREMAN 

Personal Responsibility 

GENERAL PLAN 

Womanhood, Morality, Nursing 

FOUNDATION 

Stability and Strength of Character 

SUPERSTRUCTURE 

Self-Control, Self-Respect, Self-Reliance, Self-Poise 

ROOF 

Charitableness 



278 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

FLOOR 

Honesty, Sincerity, Loyalty, Courage 

MAIN ENTRANCE 

Perseverance, Physical and Spiritual Refinement 

DOORS 

Interest in All Activities of Life, 

Mental and Physical Cleanliness, 

Love for Work and Patients 

WINDOWS 

Frankness, Courtesy, Kindness, Gentleness 

COLOR SCHEME 

Cheerfulness, Ambition, Unselfish Sympathy, 
Mental Alertness 

EQUIPMENT 

Industry and EflSciency 

DECORATIONS 

Tact, Toleration, Patience, Forbearance, Humility, 
Trustworthiness. 

DOME 

Altruism 

INFLUENCE 

Magnetic Radiations 



THE IDEAL NURSE 



279 



ELEMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER 



CONSTRUCTIVE 



DESTRUCTIVE 



Intelligence 

Wakeful Consciousness 

Will 

Stability 

Strength of Character 

Self- Control 

Self-Reliance 

Self-Poise 

Self-Respect 

Charitableness 

Honesty 

Sincerity 

Loyalty 

Courage 

Affection 

Cleanliness 

Frankness 

Courtesy 

Kindness * 

Gentleness 

Perseverance 

Refinement 

Industry 

Efficiency 

Cheerfulness 

Ambition 

Sympathy 

Mental Alertness 

Tact 



Want of Intellect 
Abstraction 
Impotence 
Instability 

Weakness of Character 
Self -Surrender 
Dependence 
Excitability 
Self-Pity 
Uncharitableness 
Dishonesty 
Insincerity 
Disloyalty 
Fear 
Anger 

Uncleanliness 
Deceit 
Discourtesy 
Unkindness 
Harshness 

Lack of Perseverance 
Coarseness 
Indolence 
Inefficiency 
Morbidness 
Lack of Ambition 
Inhumanity 
Mental Inertness 
Tactlessness 



280 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



ELEMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER 

(Continued) 
CONSTRUCTIVE DBSTRUCTIVE 



Tolerance 

Patience 

Forbearance 

Humility 

Trustworthiness 

Morality 

Altruism 



Intolerance 

Impatience 

Malevolence 

Vanity 

Untrustworthiness 

Immorality 

Selfishness 



CHAPTER XXVII 

Personal Responsibility in the True 
Social Relation 

This chapter was not originally intended for publica- 
tion in this book. In one sense it may appear foreign 
to the specific purpose of this volume. So it is. 

In another sense, however, it is but a broader and more 
comprehensive view of the great fundamental principle 
of Morality that underlies not only this work but all 
other constructive endeavor. 

It is believed that the intelligent reader will at least 
find it interesting. It is also hoped that she will find in 
it that which will give her a broader outlook upon life 
and a clearer understanding of the real motive and 
purpose back of this entire volume. 

Our present day social structure is the result of a 
development which began far back beyond" the range 
of modern information. The beginning of the social 
relation dates back to the time when human beings 
found themselves coming in contact with other human 
beings like unto themselves with whom it became 
necessary for them to associate. Then and there began 
the evolution of the great social responsibility which 
now devolves upon every individual human being, man, 
woman and child. 

In the earlier periods before the higher education of 
man had begun, the great law which governed the social 

281 



282 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

relation was that of '^ Might is Right'' The stronger 
man physically always possessed the "right." The 
weaker fell by the wayside. In other words, the survival 
of the physically fittest was the generally accepted 
principle in all disputes of every kind and among all 
people. This early principle was based on 

1. Sheer physical force. 

2. Physical power. 

Gradually, through long years of struggle, strife and 
inharmony, this has been superseded by the present, 
dignified, moral law of Harmony. It is the present law 
toward which all effort is directed in establishing a 
perfect social relation. This modern law is based on 
two ethical principles: 

1. Friendship. 

2. Service. 

Since the lav/ of Force has been superseded by that of 
Harmony, the more intelligent classes of people have 
come to the recognition of a responsibility which was 
not understood in the olden times. These have come 
to realize that in order to create a harmonious social 
relation the feeling of friendship must exist. They 
have come to understand that this, in turn, involves 
the willingness of every individual to surrender some of 
what he may consider his legitimate rights, privileges 
and prerogatives, and to assume certain responsibilities 
toward his fellowmen. In other words, they realize, in a 
vague sort of way, the great law of Receiving and Giv- 
ing which makes it necessary, in the cause of humanity, 
for one man to surrender certain rights, privileges 
and prerogatives in order that he may profit by the rights, 
privileges and prerogatives in like manner surrendered 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 283 

by each and every one of his associates. They begin 
to understand that every individual must be willing to 
assume certain responsibilities toward his fellowmen in 
return for the reciprocal responsibilities they assume 
toward him. 

This great problem of the social relation is one which 
has been studied, thought over, pondered and cogitated 
for ages past by the best and ablest intelligences. It 
has been, and is now, an interesting subject to psycholo- 
gists, as well as a vital one to society and humanity in 
general. It is a problem which never yet, up to this 
time, has been clearly and definitely defined by modern 
science. It has been solved, however, in a succinct and 
concise manner by those who are wiser and far greater 
than some of us. 

There is a social responsibility fixed by Nature upon 
every individual who enters this plane of existence. It 
is a definitely fixed responsibility. It, like all others, 
cannot be avoided or violated without just and due 
retribution. 

This responsibility demands that we must at all times 
hold ourselves ready to befriend and be of service to our 
fellowmen insofar as our limitations will permit. This 
means any and all individuals with whom we come in 
contact, whether these individuals be friends or enemies. 
Our purely personal feelings must not be permitted to 
interfere with the greater object of rendering service 
wherever possible. 

The great purpose of society in general is to exchange 
service. The underlying basis of the social structure is 
Friendship. Therefore, the ideal social relation is 
based on friendship which at all times is ready to 



284 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

^^ Ash, to Receive and to Give.'*'' And no individual is 
entitled to become a constituent part of society until 
he is as willing to Give as to Receive, in the spirit of 
true Friendship. 

This fundamental truth is recognized in the fact that 
the entire body of man-made laws has for its object the 
creation of conditions which will make friendly relations 
possible, and through friendly relations the highest, 
possible service. 

This responsibility especially weighs heavily upon 
those who understand and have studied the great, 
Primary Double Function of the Soul. It is one of the 
prodigious problems which faces every individual who 
is striving to live a constructive life, and to exemplify 
the spirit of such life. It is a fact to be borne in mind 
constantly by one who strives to represent the philosophy 
of the ancient Masters of Wisdom, and a thing to be 
practised assiduously by him in all his relations with 
his fellowmen and associates. 

There is a great essential law in Nature which holds 
every individual morally responsible to Give as freely as 
he Receives. This law binds him to maintain an even 
balance with Nature by Giving as cheerfully, as whole- 
heartedly and as unselfishly as he Receives. It places 
upon him the obligation always to render a just equiva- 
lent to his fellowmen for everything he receives, whether 
this be in the physical, the spiritual, the moral, or the 
psychic pFane of life. 

This same law binds us to repay all our debts in 
equivalent, but does not bind us to repay them in hind. 
If we receive a material gift or benefit from a friend, we 
must repay that gift or benefit somewhere, somehow. 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 285 

It is not necessary, nor are we called upon to repay this 
in physical material; but it is necessary and essential 
that we do so in equivalent, either on the mental, moral 
or psychic plane. And vice versa; but everything received 
must be repaid in equivalent sometime, somewhere, 
somehow. 

This important and essential law of Nature is known 
as the Law of Compensation. It is based upon the 
Primary Double Function of the Soul. It is founded 
on the problem of Receiving and Giving, which is one 
of the significant and indispensable problems in the life 
and development of any individual soul. 

Those who have studied the problem of Receiving 
and Giving and, as a result, have come to understand 
something of the dignified and inexorable Law of Com- 
pensation are equipped better to realize responsibility 
in the social relation. 

Knowledge always carries responsibility with it. The 
greater the knowledge, the greater the responsibility; 
for responsibility is based on knowledge. We are held 
personally responsible and morally accountable only 
insofar as we have Knowledge. 

Because of this fact the social responsibility weighs 
particularly heavy upon those who understand and 
appreciate the Primary Double Function of the Soul — 
Receiving and Giving — and the great Law of Com- 
pensation. 

In the effort to discharge this social responsibility we 
must establish in our soul, at all times, a sincere feeling 
of friendly goo*d will and a desire to render service. By 
maintaining this attitude of soul we are enabled the 
more easily to radiate the kind of friendliness and com- 



286 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

panionship which paves the way for the confidence of 
our associates. One essential is always to make the 
other fellow feel that in you he has a friend whom he can 
trust, who stands ready to be of help in the hour of his 
need. He may know that you are aware of his 
limitations; yet, if he recognizes the spirit of friendship 
and good will, he will open his heart and thus present 
an opportunity for service. 

The objective is to make the other individual realize by 
your attitude of soul that you are his friend in the fullest 
sense of that word and that he may rely on your help 
in any legitimate and right thing. In so doing the basis 
of the ideal, social relation is established. 

This spirit of friendly good will and the attitude of 
service is the essential point of differentiation between 
the politico-economic socialism of today and the true 
social relation. Modern socialism is an a<ihesive rather 
than a cohesive force. The members of the social body 
are held together by their superficial surfaces of material 
exchange. The spirit of friendly good will and mutual 
service, which should bind them into a permanent and 
cohesive body with a common center and a common 
attitude of soul, is entirely lacking. The true, deep, 
binding spirit of the entire institution is lost. 

Without this socialism of any sort cannot exist per- 
manently and prosper. Without this higher, spiritual 
aspect constantly in view. Socialism is bound to topple 
and fall. It is inevitable. This is and has been the 
underlying cause of the failure of this body in both the 
present and the past. 

The Socialism of today deals with things on the purely 
physical, material, political and commercial plane of 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 287 

existence. The spiritual aspect of life is left entirely 
out of the problem. The psychic side of life is entirely 
forgotten or overlooked. And this is wherein Modern 
Socialists make their gravest mistake, for this is the deeper 
and far more important consideration in the problem. 
Without this phase of the subject in mind constantly 
Socialism is null. 

The one great purpose of life is the individualizing of 
intelligence. Each and every human being is a living 
soul given life for the express purpose of individualizing, 
developing and unfolding his latent powers of soul. He 
is sent to this plane of existence to acquire knowledge 
and experience and thus to attain his soul growth. 

The social institution is an opportunity given each 
and all of us to gain experience and knowledge and 
fulfil the Primary Function of the Soul — Receiving and 
Giving. If we desire to grow and to receive just compen- 
sation for performing this function we must do it in the 
spirit of cheerfulness and good will. Therefore, if 
each and every one of us fulfils the purpose of his ex- 
istence and the Primary Function of his Soul in the 
ight attitude of mind and soul, then the social relation 
oecomes a matter of Mutual Receiving and Giving in the 
spirit of friendly good will. 

This is the spiritual and psychical aspect of the social 
relation. This is the essential, higher, spiritual aspect 
which is overlooked by our modern socialists. This 
is the common thought and attitude which should make 
of Socialism a cohesive body. This is the spirit lacking 
which makes of it instead an ac^hesive body, bound 
together by surface contact only. This is the kind of 
Receiving and Giving which includes vastly more than 



288 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

Cooperation. It is the absence of this power which 
causes the continual and repeated failure of modern, 
socialistic efforts. 

This higher aspect shows something more than the 
cold exchange of physical things on the purely material 
plane. It expresses the true spirit and purpose of Re- 
ceiving and Giving at the basis of the constructive 
social relation. It portrays the deeper and more impor- 
tant view of this permanent and inevitable relation 
between individuals. 

Mutual, friendly Receiving and Giving is the only 
true basis of constructive Socialism! 

The question may be asked, as it has already been in 
the past, why Cooperation has not been treated as a basic 
principle of the social relation. 

This is the reason: From association with, and the 
study of, modern Socialism I find that the word " Coopera- 
tion" has become a word of mere convenience to express 
the purely physical exchange of material things on the 
material plane. It has become a word unexpressive 
of anything above the physical plane of life. It is used 
to express the give and take of mere physical commodities. 
It applies only to things on the purely physical plane. 

The true social relation, however, deals with the higher, 
spiritual aspect of life and association. Because of this 
fact, and because this true relation is the one under 
discussion in this chapter, only such words are intended 
to be used as will express adequately the higher as well 
as the lower phase of the subject. 

Service means mutual Receiving and Giving. It 
includes Cooperation, but Cooperation does not neces- 
sarily include this kind of Service. 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 289 

For this reason the word Service has been substituted 
for Cooperation. And to express the higher spiritual 
aspect upon which all true service alone is possible we 
use the term "Friendship.^'' Therefore, true Socialism 
is based upon the two principles of Friendship and 
Service — the attitude of soul and the act performed. 

A practical and double illustration may serve to show 
the purely acZhesive qualities of Cooperation alone, as 
well as the solid, permanent cohesive qualities of Service, 
including its higher aspect: 

Two Modern Socialists reside on opposite sides of the 
road from each other. One — Mr. A. — raises potatoes. 
The other — Mr. B. — makes brooms. 

These two men are endeavoring in their daily lives to 
exemplify the principles of Modern Socialism in their 
mutual relations. They believe thoroughly in the 
principle of Cooperation as taught in the modern, 
politico-socialistic platform of principles. 

B. goes across the street to exchange materials with A. 
The former gives a broom in exchange for potatoes. 
The cooperative act is accomplished. This closes the 
incident as far as they are concerned. They have 
fulfilled their duty in exchanging the physical materials. 
They have completed their cold, business proposition. 
They separate with an economic chill of "Thanks." 

Immediately the selfish motive begins to gnaw at the 
hearts of these men. On the way home with his pota- 
toes B. soliloquizes thus: 

"Well, old man A. and I have cooperated all right, 
but I wonder now if he hasn't cheated me out of a potato 
or two. You know, its every fellow for himself these 
days, and if a man don't look out for himself even his 

19 



290 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

best friend wiU often beat him out of something. My 
broom was good stuff and all right. Surely it is worth 
more than this little handful of potatoes. Why, he'll get 
a lot more value out of that broom than I'll ever get out 
of these spuds, and it'll last him ever so much longer, 
too. It isn't quite right; and next time we cooperate 
I'll see that I get several more potatoes for my broom," 
etc. 

B. thus goes on his way dissatisfied, disgruntled and 
looking only after his own selfish interests. 

A., being left behind, goes through virtually the same, 
cold, selfish capitulation of the purely material coopera- 
tion. He feels that he has been treated with contumely 
and, in all probability, has been grossly cheated. He, too, 
is dissatisfied, disgruntled and disquieted. No unselfish 
feeling enters his soul; no friendly good will, no pleasure 
results from having served his fellowmen. Merely the 
cold, unfeeling principle of socialistic Cooperation has 
been exemplified. His only comfort is in the conscious- 
ness that he is a Socialist, and that he has fulfilled his 
cooperative responsibility to his brother Socialist. He 
and his neighbor are held together by the mere bond of 
material and commercial exchange — by surface contact 
only. 

Now, on the other hand, let us suppose that these 
men understand and appreciate the basis of true Social- 
ism. They realize the meaning of Service and Friend- 
ship, and all that these terms involve. They have this 
higher aspect constantly in mind in any mutual exchange 
of physical, mental or moral values. 

Let A. and B. now make their same exchange of pota- 
toes and brooms. The spirit of friendship exists be- 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 291 

tween them at the time their trade is made. This kindly 
spirit causes them not only to exchange their material 
possessions cheerfully and generously, but it prompts 
them to exchange friendly remarks and to wish each 
other satisfaction with his new asset. Each knows that 
the other wishes him well, is his unselfish friend, and is 
willing to help him in the hour of need. 

On his way home B. summarizes thus: 

"How pleased I am that I have been able to serve 
neighbor A. I trust I have given him full equivalent 
for his potatoes, because he deserves every bit of it. He's 
a fine man. I like him and I like to be of help to him. 
I'll be glad to go back there again when I need more 
potatoes for I am sure to receive just compensation for 
every broom he takes. He's an honest man. I do hope 
his broom will give him good service, and I hope he will 
be satisfied with it. I'd rather give him two brooms 
than to feel that I had cheated him." 

A., in his mental discussion of the trade, feels that he 
has been very fortunate in having this opportunity to 
exchange with B. He is pleased that he is able to repay 
his friend and neighbor in such manner as to fill this 
immediate need of his. He feels kindly toward his 
neighbor and wishes him well in every way. He desires 
to do more business with him. He sends out thoughts 
of friendly good will and service to accompany his friend 
B. on his homeward way. And so, the higher aspect of 
the transaction has been kept in view constantly. 

The spirit of friendship has prevailed, and true Social- 
ism has been exemplified. 

In this case these neighbors are held together by the 
soul attitude of friendship, good will and service, into 



292 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

a closer and more intimate contact. They are bound 
by a Cohesive force of mutual fellowship and good will. 

Note the difference between the cold, commercial 
Cooperation and the warm, friendly spirit of Service, 

This double illustration shows the superficial ad- 
hesive force of mere physical and commercial Coopera- 
tion — of the mere exchange of brooms and potatoes — as 
well as the deep, cohesive force of Service — of the 
physical, commercial exchange plus the soul attitude of 
friendship and good will. 

The first binds the men together only by the cold, 
commercial proposition and the knowledge that both 
are modern Socialists. They are held by surface contact 
only. 

The second binds the men together by the friendly, 
mutual attitude of soul, and the knowledge that both 
are endeavoring to render true Service. In this case 
they are held en masse, as it were, by the higher bond. 

In the first case there is nothing to paUiate the cold, 
physical act. That is the only essential thing in the 
proposition. In the second case, however, the same 
physical act is warmed and brightened by the spirit of 
friendship, good will and service. The physical exchange 
merely is an incident in the proposition. It furnishes 
only the physical basis of Cooperation upon which the 
higher soul attitude of true Service may be exemplified. 

Mutual Receiving and Giving in the spirit of Friendship 
is the only basis of true Socialism. It unites people into 
a permanent, cohesive society which is bound to grow 
and prosper. 

It is not always an easy matter to maintain the sense 
of friendship and good will toward certain individuals. 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 293 

At times we find ourselves deeply critical of another's 
idiosyncrasies; of his modus operandi; or, of his moral 
principles. We do not approve his internal attitude of 
soul, nor do we fail to recognize his limitations m other 
ways. However, this involves the question of judging 
him — which we all know is out of our jurisdiction — 
and calls for the more active practice of Self-Control 
and the exercise of Will to overcome these criticisms 
and objections and to force at least the outward sem- 
blance of friendly good will. 

In dealing with this social problem it is well to bear 
in mind one fact: 

It is essential that we tell the truth; but it is not essen- 
tial that we always tell the whole truth. 

By this is meant that if we endeavor to radiate an 
atmosphere of friendly good will and service we must be 
truthful in the matter to the extent that we feel within 
ourselves this same constructive spirit. If we have this 
in our souls we tell the truth and exemplify honesty in 
conveying this attitude to our fellows. 

Our consciousness may be fully alert to the fact that 
we disapprove of another's moral principles, or of his 
business methods. On this basis we dislike the man 
personally. On the other hand, we recognize the fact 
that in his character are many strong and admirable 
elements which we appreciate and credit. 

Now, in order to establish the basis for an ideal social 
relation it is our duty and responsibility to maintain the 
admirable elements of character uppermost in our minds, 
hearts and consciousness, and to relegate the others to 
the background. This is necessary in order to establish 



294 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 



the friendly feeling of good will and the desire to render 
service to a fellow. 

By following this method we tell the truth when we 
convey through our attitude that we feel friendship and 
desire to invite confidence. On the other hand, we do 
not tell the whole truth in that we have not indicated 
our objection to his moral principles or business methods. 
But — is this necessary? 

Just at this point in the solution of the problem we are 
called upon to demonstrate our Tactfulness. Here we 
are given the opportunity of exemplifying our inherent 
or acquired Tact — or lack of it — by determining just 
how much or how little of the truth must be told. 

By teUing the whole truth we might awaken anger, 
resentment or fear in the mind of the individual 
and cause him to shun us; whereby we lose his confidence 
and any future opportunity for helping him to realize 
and overcome his shortcomings. In other words, by tell- 
ing the whole truth it is very likely we should slam in our 
own faces the door which leads to confidence and shut our- 
selves out forever from the internal life of our fellow. 

We would erect a barrier in the way of accomplishing 
our main object in the social relation. 

In conveying only the friendly part of one's attitude 
of soul the confidence and companionship of another are 
invited. By proving friendship to the individual at 
every turn of the way soon he will come to feel that here 
is a friend who will understand and help him. He will 
come to know that every effort on this friend's part is 
an effort to be of service to him. 

When this attitude of soul is established within him 
inevitably the opportunity will arise when it will be 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 295 

possible to lead him to an understanding of his short- 
comings. The fact that these have been known, and 
yet, in the face of that fact he has been befriended by 
one who has known his limitations, will establish greater 
confidence; and the right suggestions and remedies will 
be accepted by him in the right spirit and with apprecia- 
tion. In the majority of cases the individual will strive to 
eliminate these destructive elements from his character. 

Through the use of Tact in dealing with the individual, 
by telling only part of the truth, the helper has gained 
his confidence, established a worthy friendship, rendered 
helpful service, and thereby fulfilled his social responsi- 
bility to the best of his knowledge and ability. 

A personal experience proves the efficiency of this 
modus operandi: 

Almost two years ago the author became acquainted 
with a woman of good education and fine abilities. We 
met on an equal social basis. We mutuallj^ understood 
that in future we would be associated closely in the social 
relation. 

During our first meeting, and many times thereafter, 
I seemed to sense a superior mental attitude on the part 
of this lady — Mrs. B. I realized that she was dealing 
with me from an assumed "higher" altitude. After a 
short time I indirectly received evidences of her criticisms 
of me and of her critical attitude of mind toward me. 
Naturally I resented these things internally. My spirit 
of independence prompted me to express to her my exact 
opinion and to drop the association then and there. 

However, there were elements and qualities of charac- 
ter within her which I deeply admired and respected. 
Something within kept advising me to bear these in 



296 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

mind and to forget the iinlikeable traits. It seemed to 
say that, inasmuch as circumstances made it necessary 
for me to meet and associate with her, why not overlook 
these disagreeable traits, and do so in a friendly spirit. 
It would ease the situation for me as well as for her and 
all parties concerned. 

After studying the matter carefully I decided that this 
was the better course of action. Then I tried to establish 
within myself a feeling of real friendship and good will 
toward her. When out of her presence I succeeded; but 
when with her, my internal resentment again awakened 
and at times I had to struggle hard to conceal it. I 
realized, however, that if only I was strong enough within 
myself I could withstand any attitude on her part. 

To make a long story short, I fought long and diligently 
with myself to manifest only a friendly feeling toward 
Mrs. B. when we met. I succeeded. As a result of 
this effort our association progressed quite harmoniously. 

During this time I had the opportunity to render some 
unselfish service to her. I made use of this opportunity 
and performed the service as cheerfully and graciously 
as I 'knew how — and without comment. 

One year following our meeting we were thrown into 
daily association while members of a camping party. We 
were the only two women in camp; so, we had every 
opportunity for mutual study and to become thoroughly 
acquainted. 

On one of these occasions she seemed inclined to 
become confidential. I encouraged her by giving her 
my entire attention. She opened the subject of Criti- 
cism. We discussed the theme for some time, exchang- 
ing ideas and opinions very freely. I sensed a possible 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 297 

opportunity to tell her some things. Then I encouraged 
the conversation in every plausible way. 

Finally, after a long discussion, she made an open 
confession of her criticism and of her past dislike of me. 
She admitted that she had no reason for it, but she just 
couldn't help herself because she was naturally of a 
critical disposition. She then asked me point blank if 
I ever had noticed this in her character. 

Then and there my opportunity presented itself. I 
seized it. In a nice manner, and without resentment, 
I told her of my knowledge of her attitude and of her 
criticisms. I expressed my exact impressions of her 
and mentioned, not only her unlikable, but also her 
likeable qualities of character. I noted that she was not 
deprecating my statements. In fact, they were being 
accepted in a beautiful spirit. I went on to tell her 
some things about herself which apparently she had 
never known or realized. 

Before the conclusion of our talk she thanked me for 
the manner in which I had treated her during the last 
year, and expressed her gratitude for the help I had 
given in revealing her to herself. She appeared very 
appreciative, saying that I had taught her one of the 
best lessons of her life. 

Immediately following this experience her attitude 
toward me changed; and since that time I have every 
evidence that she is one of my most loyal and true friends. 
She never ceases to express appreciation for the service 
rendered her. 

This individual was of the independent, proud and 
sensitive type. If I had acted upon my first impulse 
succinctly to express my true feelings, I feel sure I should 



298 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

have incurred her deepest enmity. I beheve I never 
would have gained her confidence and, therefore, never 
would have been in position to render the service which 
later it was my pri\dlege to do. 

This one experience did much to teach me that there 
is a great, individual, social responsibility which is 
based on two principles: 

1. Friendship. 

2. Service. 

It made me realize that in fulfilling this responsibility 
the individual must use not only a quality but also a 
quantity of high grade Tact. 

In this connection a short diversion on the differentia- 
tion between Tact and Deception may be of help. My 
own personal experience and observation in the past 
have led me to believe that this differentiation frequently 
is misunderstood — particularly by women, more so than 
by men. Tact often is confused with Deception. 

Tact means — acute mental discernment of the best 
course of action under given conditions; particularly 
in dealing with others with the intention of not 
offending. 

Deception means — that which is intended to deceive 
or mislead. 

In the deeper study of these definitions we find 
that motive and intent are the underlying bases which 
determine whether an act be one of Tact or of 
Deception. 

If an individual, in dealing with another, mentally 
discerns that by evading or violating the truth in a par- 
ticular instance he may render a great service; if he 
realizes this evasion or violation is a mere detail which 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 299 

will not do anyone harm; and if he does this with such 
motive and intent in his soul, then he exercises Tact 
which is constructive. 

If, in dealing with another individual, a person deliber- 
ately sets out to deceive that individual and consciously 
and intentionally evades or violates a truth which may 
do harm, with this motive and intent in his soul, he 
then practices Deception which is destructive. 

It is the active motive and intent which determine 
whether an act be one of Tact or of Deception. It is 
the responsibility of an individual always to know 
definitely his own motive and intent in exercising Tact; 
for, upon this alone depends whether he be a tactful or 
a dishonest individual. 

Every human individual differs essentially from every 
other individual. Therefore, every individual must be 
dealt with according to his or her own constitution. A 
person cannot use exactly the same tactics in dealing 
with any two different individuals. In one case he 
may need to use a frank, straightforward and concise 
method of treatment in order to make an impression 
on his associate. In the other case his modus operandi 
may be entirely the opposite — a direct antithesis. He 
may be called upon to follow a devious road of kindness, 
gentleness, sympathy and consideration in order to reach 
the consciousness of his man. 

During a colloquy on the subject of Tact, a friend 
illustrated this point in the following manner: 

Suppose you had a small child as a protege. For 
some reason you find it your responsibility to transport 
that child to a destination some miles away. There 
are two roads leading to this place. One is a straight. 



300 -THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

short road leading direct; the other a devious, long and 
indirect way. 

You know that the straight is beset with many dangers. 
At one i^oint is a nest of rattlesnakes. A short distance 
away is a dangerous river crossing. Beyond that is 
known to be a robber's den. You know the entire road 
to be rough and difficult. You cannot feel sure of the 
safe delivery of your child at the destination. 

On the other hand, you realize that the longer 
route of travel is safer, smoother and easier all the way. 
There are no grave dangers to face and meet. You are 
comparatively sure that your protege will be safely 
transported. 

You also realize that if this child is exposed to these 
dangers fear will be awakened in his soul, and resentment 
for you because you are the one who exposed him. You 
realize that you will lose his confidence. In future he 
will rebel against following you for fear he will be led 
through similar pitfalls of danger. 

Whereas, if you follow the safe route you will main- 
tain the child's confidence, trust and love, and continue 
to wield a good influence over him in future. 

Now, which route would you follow? The straight 
and dangerous path, or the devious and safe road? 

I think all will agree, as I did, that he would take the 
longer route. 

The same principle holds true in dealing with various 
individuals, and in friendship. 

If we desire to gain and maintain the friendship and 
confidence of an individual we must lead him gently to 
this destination by the devious, safer road and avoid 
all obstacles on the way, as best we can. By the use of 



PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 301 

Tact we must avoid dangerous frictions, prejudices, 
idiosyncrasies, interferences and incumbrances on the 
road, and keep the pathway smooth, safe and easy. In 
this manner the individual will establish more confidence 
in our wisdom, will trust to us in future, and will be will- 
ing in future to follow where we lead. 

In dealing with different individuals it is well to bear 
in mind the concept that each person is a protege and 
that it is our responsibility safely to transport that 
protege to the secure destination of Friendship. This 
will help us to follow the road of Tact which is often the 
devious, roundabout, but safe road leading to the goal 
of loyal Friendship and Service. 

If we realize that it is possible for us to gain a person's 
confidence, trust and friendship and, perhaps, to render 
him a great service by withholding, evading or violating 
the truth, then it is our duty to use astute mental dis- 
cernment and, with the right motive and intent, do so. 

If, after studying a given condition and circumstance, 
we realize that the only method by which to deal with a 
certain individual is to be truthful, frank and succinct, 
then it becomes our duty to do this. 

In other words, in dealing with people we first must 
study the individual and the given circumstances. We 
then must use our judgment in deciding the best course 
to follow in order to avoid offense, to establish confidence, 
and to render service. 

If we do this in the right attitude of soul and 
mind and with a right motive and intent then we ex- 
emplify Tact which is constructive to soul growth and 
unfoldment. 

Tact is constructive. Deception is destructive. Mo- 



302 THE HIGHER ASPECT OF NURSING 

live and Intent is the basis upon which this is determined. 
Tact is the open sesame to Unselfish Service! 

"Who asks not, the chambers are darkened. 
Where his Soul sits in silence alone. 
Who gives not, his Soul never hearkened 
To the love call of zone unto zone. 

Who prays not, exists, but he lives not; 
A blot and a discord is he. 
Who asks not, receives not, and gives not 
Were better drowned in the sea. 

Ah, the asking, receiving and giving. 
Is the soul of the life that we live. 
All the beauty and sweetness of living 
Is to ASK, to RECEIVE and to GIVE." 



INDEX 



Acting, a species of dishonesty, 

123 
Anger, its many forms of ex- 
pression, 65 
always destructive, 65 
consumes the soul, 141 
Authority increases responsibility, 
195 
misuse of, violates law of right 
use, 195 

Cleanliness next to godliness, 
92, 234 
constructive and desirable, 234 
a personal responsibility, 235 
the greatest enemy of disease, 

236 
of surgeons, illustrated, 237 
why do surgeons exemplify it, 

237 
nurses as responsible as sur- 
geons, 237 
of nurse, vital to recovery of 

patient, 238 
of nurse, first consideration, 239 
nurse responsible as exemplar 

of, 240 
of narse, a sermon, 240 
of nurse, a powerful lesson of 

health, 240 
of mind, as important as of 

body, 241 
of mind and body, duty of 

every nurse, 241 
of nurse, due to the profession, 

242 
importance of, known to phy- 
sicians, 243 



Cleanliness of nurses, de- 
manded by physicians, 
243 
personal, to whom every nurse 

owes it, 244 
prejudices against, must be 

overcome by nurse, 244 
instructions to nurses concern- 
ing, 246 
the Lord demands it, 249 
Confidence of patient, an honor 
to be prized and guarded, 
116 
of patient, principle illustrated, 
116 
Consciousness of a higher life, 

necessary to nurses, 182 
Convalescence most trying period 
for patient, 162 
during, nurse has many oppor- 
tunities, 162 
Criticism, not a work of, 17 
adverse, defined, 126 
habit of many women, 126 
destructive to soul growth, 120 
involves intolerance, 127 
betrays vanity and selfishness, 

127 
an alluring temptation, 127 
always hurts the critic most, 

128 
disturbs the soul, and injures 

body, 128 
like a destroying worm, 128 
a destructive growth, 1'29 
is it worth while, 130 
of self, alone wholesome, l.'U) 
method of overcoming, 131 



303 



304 



INDEX 



DiKT, what is it, 233 

must be removed from the 

body, 233 
Disease, result of nature's de- 
structive principle, 82 
how set in motion, 82 
always a battle of constructive 

and destructive forces, 83 
Dishonesty defined, 119 

temptation to all mankind, 120 
manifested in two ways, 121 
of nurses, many causes for, 121 
of nurses, illustrated, 121 
of nurses, in falsifying dailj' 

records, 122 
always leaves scar on character, 

122 
no part of ideal nurse, 123 
white lies justifiable, 124 
once, invites continuation of, 

124 
does not pay, 124 
remedy for, 125 
overcome by four principles, 

125 
Disloyalty, definition of, 210 
a destructive agent, 210 
unworthy of any conscientious 

nurse, 213 
criticism is, 214 
a destructive agent, does not 

pay, 220 
Dogmatism, no nurse has right to 

indulge, 195 
Domination on part of nurse, 

invites contempt, etc., 195 
Duty, how performed, 173 

mechanical act, not enough, 

174 
only half done, if done grudg- 
ingly, 174 
must be done cheerfully, 174 



Duty, rewards of, 175 
spirit of, 175 

Education of patients, 93 

of patients, a responsibility of 

nurses, 150 
general failure of nurses, 150 
of patients, as much nurse's 

duty as giving medicines, 

151 
by physicians, not suflScient, 

151 
nurse alone able to complete, 

151 
many methods possible, 152 
four vital methods, 152 
field to be covered by nurse, 

153 
in prophylaxis, 153 
in cleanliness, 154 
along intellectual lines, 154 
in wholesome morality, 155 
influence of mind on body, 

155 
Educator, responsibility of nurse 

as, 92 
Elimination, how it occurs through 

the skin, 232 
unhampered, necessary to 

health, 233 
Envy defined, 140 

combines fear and anger, 141 
Emotionalism, what it implies, 

104 
most frequent among women, 

104 
women substitute, for reason, 

105 
frequent among nurses, 105 
bow to overcome, 106 
uncontrolled, illustrated, 107 
badge of weaker sex, 107 



INDEX 



305 



Emotionalism, wastes energy, 
weakens nurse's powers, 
108 

of nurse, results of, 109 

destructive, 110 

of nurse, illustrated, 110 

must be overcome. 111 

remedy for, 111 
Entertainment of patient, re- 
sponsibility of nurse, 160 

nurses neglect, 160 

banishes self-pity, 101 

tired nurse excuses herself, 161 

during convalescence, vitally 
important, 161 

by nurse, may change whole life 
of patient, 162 

seventeen ways for nurse, 163 

Faith of patient, never should be 

betrayed by nurse, 115 
Fear paralyzes the soul, 141 
definition of, 199 
its intense manifestations, 199 
its minor forms, 199 
always destructive, 199 
often causes death, 199 
psychological refrigeration, 200 
produces paralysis, 200 
effects of, on individual, 200 
control of, ilkistration, Daniel 

in lions' den, 201 
controlled, may be transmuted 

into constructive energy, 

201 
of nurse, illustrated, 202 
nurse paralyzed by, useless, 204 
in nurse, leads to failure, 205 
in nurse, unjust to her school 

and profession, 200 
worry and despondency, forms 

of, 207 

20 



Fear, a lion to be mastered, 208 
remedy for, 209 

Gossip and news contrasted, 112 
destructive, 112 
example, contrasting news, 113 
a destructive temptation to all 

women, 113 
an enemy to confidence, 114 
of nurses among themselves, 141 
inspired by vanity, 116 
results of, many and unfortu- 
nate, 117 
inspires destructive impulses, 

117 
does not pay, 117 

Happiness, objective goal of 
every individual, 29 
result of perfect marriage rela- 
tion, 29 

Health, result of nature's con- 
structive principle, 82 

Ideal nurse, whose ideal, 250 
a composite character, 250 
a blue-print plan, 251 
builded on ideal woman, 251 
is ideal woman, plus, 252 
elements of character of, 279 
Individual likened to piano, 183 
ideals of, represent musical 

strings, 183 
must keep strings in tune, 183, 

184 
elements of character, 279 
Individuality key to all life, 73 
illustrated in all planes of life, 

74 
Nature's distinguishing brand, 

74 
because of, no man can think 
for another, 74 



306 



INDEX 



Indolence a universal temptation, 
81 

always an evil, 81 

makes success impossible, 81 

has no place in nursing, 84 

defined, 84 

a form of self-indulgence, 85 

example of, 86 

one indulgence of, leads to 
another, 87 

results of, bad, 89 

prevents nurses finding em- 
ployment, 90 

of nurse, loses patient's respect, 
91 

as to cleanliness, inexcusable in 
nurse, 91 

remedy for, 95 

does it pay, 95 
Intolerance a temptation of 
nurses, 72 

common among all classes, 72 

yielded to, brings failure, 75 

of nurses, with patients, phy- 
sicians, etc., 75 

a phase of vanity, 76 

breeds inharmony, distrust. Law 
etc., 76 

illustrations of, 76 

religious, a vital mistake of 
nurses, 77 

of nurses, always reacts on 
selves, 77 

of suggestions, a temptation, 
78 

of nurses with patients, most 
deplorable, 79 

does it pay, 80 
Irritability and impatience de- 
fined, phases of anger, 64 
psychological combustion, 64 
remedy, 66, 71 



Irritability and impatience not 
recognized as temptation, 
68 

example of, in nurse, 68 

of nurse against physician, 69 

do they pay, 70 

may become powerful agents, 
70 

Jealousy defined, 140 

combines fear and anger, 140 
and envy, destructive tempta- 
tions, 142 
remedy, 142 
working tools, 143 
elements of remedy, 143 

Knowledge makes nurse more 

eflScient, 94 
basis of personal responsibility, 

119 
inseparable from responsibility, 

119 
carries responsibility with it, 

285 

of compensation demands 
every wrong be righted, 
66, 285 
Life, effort to prolong, a great 

service, 82 
Loyalty, definition of, 210 

demands fidelity and alle- 
giance, 210 
every nurse obligates self to, 

211 
what it demands of nurse, 211 
of nurse, to her school and pro- 
fession, 211 
of nurse, illustrated, 212 
to associates, demanded of 
nurses, 213 



INDEX 



307 



Loyalty forbids criticism, 213 
what it demands of nurse, 214 
of nurse, exemplified, 215 
forbids discussion of personal 

affairs, 216 
demands the living of a life, 217 
three phases of, illustrated, 217 

Magnetism, discordant, a nurse's 
temptation, 48 
what is it, 48 

each individual a dynamo of, 49 
radiates during waking hours 

only, 49 
stored up during sleep, 49 
measures status of individual, 

49 
compared to musical scale, 50 
basis for determining char- 
acter, 50 
enables some to sense presence 

of others, 50 
basis of repulsion or harmony, 

51 
should be under control of each 

individual, 52 
may be refined or coarsened, 52 
enables one to establish har- 
mony, 52 
sick more susceptible to, 53 
few nurses or doctors under- 
stand, 53 
ignorant nurses become victims 

of, 53 
knowledge of, would help 

nurses, 54 
discordant, example of, 55 
right use of, powerful factor for 

good, 59 
right use of, illustrated, 60 
self-control basis of right use, 
62 



Manner of vital importance, 147 
defined, 147 

importance of, illustrated, 148 
often basis of false impressions, 

148 
should always express the soul, 

149 
Mental states constructive and 

destructive, 157 
may be controlled, 157 
nurse must learn to control, 

158 
Moral laxity, definition of, 177 
how it manifests, 177 
nursing presents various 

causes for, 177 
professional frankness, a 

cause of, 178 
physicians guilty of, 179 
grows out of bald talk, 179 
environment no excuse for, 

180 
grouping nurses together 

often cause of, 180 
caring for the physical body 

leads to, 181 
sophistries leading to, 184 
nursing a constant invitation 

to, 185 
illustration, 186 
illustration applies to nurses, 

187 
confusion of social and pro- 
fessional ethics, leads to, 

188 
of nurses, ranks fourth in 

government investigation, 

189 
common among nurses, 190 
remedy for, 191 
INIorality demands delicacy of 

speech and manner, 178 



308 



INDEX 



Morbidness a common tempta- 
tion, 172 

message to all who suflFer from, 
172 

monotony a cause of, 173 
Motives, worthy or unworthy, 21 

first consideration of every 
prospective nurse, 21 

those actuating nurses, 22 

to find a home, 22 

impelled by fear, 23 

only those with high ideals can 
do work, 23 

to make money, 23 

marriage, 26 

marriage for love worthy, 27 

marriage for support, un- 
worthy, 27 

marriage seekers become 
shirkers, 28 

romance, unworthy, 31 

physicians often guilty of flirt- 
ing, 32 

selfishness back of all un- 
worthy, 35 

unselfish service, only true, 36 

Nature invests man with every 
necessity, 167 
holds man responsible, 167 
demands right use, 168 
illustration of her law, 168 
News, constructive, 112 
Nurses, successful, must have 
moral courage, 44 
subject to law of compensa- 
tion, 44 
eight fundamental principles of 

success, 46 
obligated to living of a life, 46 
should always be a constructive 
factor, 83 



Nurses must study patient, 93 
Nursing includes menial, as well 

as mental work, 85 
demands attention to details, 

85 

Officiousness, definition of, 145 
invites destructive impulses of 

patients, 146 
a destructive temptation, 147 
the remedy for, 149 

Patients become infantile, 79 
Personal responsibility, what is 
it, 207 
what is basis of, 208 
Physical body reflects mental 
states, 157 
instrument of soul, 183 
Physicians, certain, exert bad in- 
fluence on nurses, 37 
certain, use every means to 

break new nurses, 38 
methods employed to tempt 

nurses, 40 
why nurses yield to these 

temptings, 41 
inevitable fate of those who 

yield, 42 
discard nurses who fall for 

temptings, 43 
all respect character and dig- 
nity, 43 
Procrastination a temptation to 
nurses, 96 
defined, 96 
results of, same as indolence, 

98 
illustration, 98, 100 
how to overcome, 103 
Purpose, to point out higher as- 
pect of nursing, 19 



INDEX 



309 



Purpose, to furnish younger nurses 
knowledge in advance, 20 
to inspire nurses with higher 
ideals, 20 

Reason, many women learning 

to use, 105 
Responsibility of physicians, to 

deliver orders, 88 
of nurse, to fulfil orders, 88 

Self-completion brings satis- 
faction and content, 73 
Self-control defined, 67 

primary duty of each indi- 
vidual, 67 
constructive, 84 
Self-indulgence destructive, 84 
Selfishness, definition of, 221 
based on primary double func- 
tion of soul, 221 
example of, 222 
illustration of, 223 
how it manifests, 225 
Oriental teachings concerning, 

227 
basis of all temptations, 229 
leads to psychic darkness and 
bondage, 230 
Self-pity cause of much misery, 
165 
psychological phthisis, a de- 
structive disease, 167 
has many causes, 169 
leads to failure, 171 
remedy, 171 
Self-unfoldment, purpose of the 
individual soul, 73 
fulfilled in self-completion, 73 
Social structure of today, result of 
development, 281 
beginning of, 281 



Social structure originally based 
on Might is Right, 282 
today, based on friendship 

and service, 282 
involves principle of receiv- 
ing and giving, 282 
responsibility fixed by na- 
ture, 283 
Socialism without spiritual out- 
look must fail, 286 
modern materialistic, 286 
true, a cohesive body, 287 
false, an adhesive body, 287 
why not cooperation, 288 
illustrations of, 289 
modus operandi, 295 
Society, purpose of, 283 

law of, binds us to pay our 

debts, 284 
recognizes Law of Compensa- 
tion, 285 
friendship, essential factor of, 
286 
Soul manifests through physical 

body, 81 
Suggestions, nurses should accept 
them kindly, 78 
as method of cure, 157 

Tact defined, 132 

constructive, 133 

patients easily influenced by, 
135 

exemplified, 137 

constructive results of, 138 

illustration of, 299 

not always shortest road, 300 
Tactlessness defined, 133 

illustrated, 136 

destructive results of, 138 
Temperance calls for will power 
and self-control, 105 



310 



INDEX 



Temple of character, location, 
253 
purpose, 254 
tools, 255 
foreman, 257 
general plan, 259 
foundation, 259 
superstructure, 260 
roof, 262 
floor, 263 

main entrance, 264 
doors, 266 
windows, 268 
color scheme, 269 
equipment, 271 
decorations, 272 
dome, 274 
influence, 275 
recapitulation, 277 
Temptations of nurses, dealt 
with, 17 
nurses do not realize, and fall, 

18 
of nurses, many and subtle, 

19 
overcome only by systematic 
work, 142 
Therapeutic faith basis of all 
mind cures, 156 
Master, Jesus, used it, 

156 
on what it rests, 156 
Time, nurses must learn value of, 
102 



Uncleanliness is a sin, 236 
personal, disgusting and re- 
pulsive, 237 
destructive effects on patients, 

238 
of nurse, leads to failure, 244 
Unconsciousness, physical, does 
not mean total, 108 
impossibility of, illustrated, 
108 
Unfoldment, results of personal 

efforts alone, 144 
Unselfishness, example of, 222 
illustration of, 224 
motive is service, 224 

Vanity, personal and intellectual, 
192 

personal and intellectual de- 
fined, 192 

how it expresses itself, 193 

outward manifestations, 193 

destructive in deepest sense, 
194 

personal, disqualifies nurses, 
194 

intellectual, leads to dogma- 
tism and domination, 194 

impels nurses to ignore sugges- 
tions, 195 

leads to failure, 196 

is it worth while, 197 

psychological poison, how to 
overcome, 198 



Books for Nurses 



PUBLISHED BY 

W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY 

West Washington Square Philadelphia 

London: 9, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden 

Sanders' Nursing new (2d) edition 

This new edition is undoubtedly the most com- 
plete and practical work on nursing ever pub- 
lished. Miss Sander's already superior work 
has been amplified and the methods simplified to 
bring it down to the newest ideas in nursing. 
There is none other so full of good, practical 
information detailed in a clean-cut, definite way. 

Modern Methods in Nursing. By Georgiana J. Sanders, 
formerly Superintendent of Nurses at Massachusetts Gen- 
eral Hospital. 12mo of 900 pages, with 217 illustrations. 
Cloth, $2.50 net. Published August. 1916 

Dunton's Occupation Therapy 

EMPHASIZING BASIC PRINCIPLES 

Dr. Dunton gives those forms likely to be of most 
service to the nurse in private practice. You get 
chapters on puzzles, reading, physical exercises, 
card games, string, paper, wood, plastic and 
metal work, weaving, picture puzzles, basketry, 
chair caning,, bookbinding, gardening, nature 
study, drawing, painting, pyrography, needle- 
work, photography, and music. 

Occupation Therapy for Nurses. By William Rush 
Dunton, Jr., M. D., Assistant Physician at Sheppard 
and Enoch Pratt Hospitals, Towson, Md. i2mo of 240 
pages., illustrated. Cloth, $1.50 net. October. 1915 



Our books are revised frequently, so that the edi- 
tion you find here may not be the latest. Write 
us about any books in which you are interested. 



Stoney's Nursing 



NEW (5th) EDITION 



Of this work the American Journal of Nursing says: "It is the 
fullest and most complete and may well be recommended as 
being of great general usefulness. The best chapter is the one 
on observation of symptoms which is very thorough.'* There 
are directions how to improvise everything. 

Practical Points in Nursing. By Emily M. A. Stoney. Revised 
by lyUCY Cornelia Catlin, R. N., Youngstown Hospital, Ohio. 
12mo, 511 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.75 net. Published August, 1916 

Morse's Bacteriology for Nurses just ready 

Dr. Morse presents here that elementary bacteriology needed 
by the student nurse during the beginning of her work. The 
language is extremely simple and untechnical, so that the 
subject can be easily grasped. Only matter germane to the 
subject of nursing is given. 

Bacteriology for Nurses. By M. E. Morse, M.D., Pathologist to the 
Boston State Hospital. 12mo of 133 pages, illustrated. 

Published March. 1919 



NEW (4th) EDITION 



Stoney's Surgical Technic 

The first part deals with bacteriology, Including antitoxins; the' 
second with all the latest developments in surgical technic. 
The National Hospital Record says : ^'Pregnant with just the 
information nurses constantly need." 

Bacteriology and Surgical Technic for Nurses. By Emily M. A. 
Stoney. 342 pages, illustrated. Cloth, SI. 75 net. October. 1916 

Goodnow's First-Year Nursing 2d edition 

Miss Goodnow's work deals entirely with the practical side of 
first-year nursing work. It is the application of text-book 
knowledge. It tells the nurse how to do those things she is called 
upon to do in her first year in the training school — the actual 
ward work. 

First-Year Nursing. By Minnie Goodnow, R. N., formerly Super- 
intendent of the Women's Hospital, Denver. 12mo of 354 pages, 
illustrated. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published February. 1916 



Aikens' Hospital Management 

This is just the work for hospital superintendents, training- 
school principals, physicians, and all who are actively inter- 
ested in hospital administration. The Medical Record sdiys: 
' 'Tells in concise form exactly what a hospital should do 
and how it should be run, from the scrubwoman up to its 
financing." 

Hospital Management. Arranged and edited by Charlotte A. 
AiKENS, formerly Director of vSibley Memorial Hospital, Washing- 
ton, D. C. 488 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $3.00 net. April, 1911 

Aikens' Primary Studies new od) edition 

Trai7ied Nurse and Hospital Review says: ** It is safe to say 
that any pupil who has mastered even the major portion of 
this work would be one of the best prepared first year pupils 
who ever stood for examination." 

Primary Studies for Nurses. By Charlotte A. Aikens, formerly 
Director of Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D. C. 12mo of 
472 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.75 net. Published June. 1915 

Aikens' Training-School Methods for 
Institutional Nurses new (2d) edition 

This work not only tells how to teach, but also what should 
be taught the nurse and how ?nuch. The Medical Record says; 
** This book is original, breezy and healthy." 

Hospital Training-School Methods for Institutional Nurses. By 
Charlotte A. Aikens, formerly Director of Sibley Memorial 
Hospital, Washington, D. C. 334 pages. March, 1919 

Aikens' Clinical Studies ,hw ,3., ED,T,o^, 

This work for second and third year students is written on the 
same lines as the author's successful work for primary stu- 
dents. Dietetic and Hygienic Gazette says there " is a large 
amount of practical information in this book." 

Clinical Studies for Nurses. By CHARLOTTE A. Aikens, formei«Jy 
Director of Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D. C. isxno oi 
56q pages, illustrated Clotb, $2.00 net. Published August. 1946 



Bolduan & Grund's Bacteriology 2d edition 

The authors have laid particular emphasis on the immediate 
application of bacteriology to the art of nursing. It is an 
applied bacteriology in the truest sense. A studj^ of all the 
ordinary modes of transmission of infection are included. 

Applied Bacteriology for Nurses. By Charles F. Bolduan, M.D.. 
Director Bureau of Public Health Education, and INIarie Grtjnd, 
M. D , Bacteriologist, Department of Health, City of New York 
188 pages, illustrated. Cloth, SI. 50 net. Published November. 1916 

Harding's Higher Aspect of Nursing 

This book represents the deductions from the author's many 
years of personal study and experience both in the training- 
school and in the field of practical nursing in the hospitals and 
in private. 

Higher Aspect of Nursing. 12mo of 300 pages. By Gertrude 
Harding. Published February, 1919 



Beck's Reference Handbook 



THIRD EDITION 



This book contains all the information that a nurse requires 
to carry out any directions given by the physician. The 
Montreal Medical Journal says it is ' * cleverly systematized and 
shows close observation of the sickroom and hospital regime." 

A Reference Handbook for Nurses. By Amanda K. Beck, Graduate 
of the Illinois Training School for Nurses, Chicago, 111. 16mo of 229 
pages. Bound in flexible leather, $1.50 net. February, 1913 



EW (2d) 
DITION 



Roberts' Bacteriology & Pathology \ 

This new work is practical in the strictest sense. Written 
specially for nurses, it confines itself to information that the 
nurse should know. All unessential matter is excluded. The 
style is concise and to the point, yet clear and plain. The text 
is illustrated throughout. 

Bacteriology and Pathelegy for Nurses. By Jay G. Roberts, Ph. G., 
M. D., Oskaloosa, Iowa. 206 pages, illus. $1.50 net. August, 1916 



DeLee's Obstetrics for Nurses 'SJifi"^ 

Dr. DeLee's book really considers two subjects — obstetrics 
for nurses and actual obstetric nursing. Trained Nurse and 
Hospital Review says the ' ' book abounds with practical 
suggestions, and they are given with such clearness that 
they cannot fail to leave their impress." 

Obstetrics for Nurses. By Joseph B. DeI,ee, M. D., Professor of 
Obstetrics at the Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago. 
12mo volume of 550 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $2.75 net. July. 1917 

Davis' Obstetric & Gynecologic Nursing 

JUST OUT— NEW (Sth) EDITION 

The Trained Nurse arid Hospital Review says: ** This is one 
of the most practical and useful books ever presented to the 
nursing profes.sion." The text is illustrated. 

Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing. By EJdward P. Davis, M. D., 
Professor of Obstetrics in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia. 498 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $2.00 net. Published June, 1917 

Macfarlane's Gynecology for Nurses 

THIRD EDITION 

Dr. A. M. Seabrook, Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia, says? 
*'It is a most admirable little book, covering in a concise but 
attractive way the subject frotn the nurse's standpoint." 

A Reference Handbook of Gynecology for Nurses. By Catharine 
Macfarlane, M. D., Gynecologist to the Woman's Hospital of 
Philadelphia. 16mo of 175 pages, with 70 illustrations. Flexible 
leather, $1.50 net. Published October, 1918 

Asher's Chemistry and Toxicology EomoN 

Dr. Asher's one aim was to emphasize throughout his book 
the application of chemical and toxicologic knowledge in the 
study and practice of nursing. He has admirably succeeded. 

12mo of 209 pages. By Philip Asher, Ph.G., M.D., Dean a-nd Pro- 
fessor of Chemistry, New Orleans College of Pharmacy. Cloth, 
$1.50 net. Published October, 1918 



Aikens' Home Nurse's Handbook lZlo% 

The point about this work is this : It tells you, and skows you 
just how to do those little things entirely omitted from other 
nursing books, or at best only incidentally treated. The 
chapters on ''Home Treatments" and ''Every-Day Care of 
the Baby," stand out as particularly practical. 

Home Nurse's Handbook. By Charlotte A. AlKENS, formerly Di- 
rector of the Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washingfton, D. C. i2mo of 
303 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published March, 1917 

Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Nursing 

This book is written from beginning to ^vA for the 7iurse. You 
get antiseptics, sterilization, nurse's duties, etc. You get an- 
atomy and physiology, common remedies, how to invert the 
lids, administer drops, solutions, salves, anesthetics, the 
various diseases and their management. New (^2d) Edition, 

Nursing in Diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. By the 
Committee on Nurses of the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. 
i2mo of 291 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published Sept. 1915 



NEW (3d) EDITION 



Paul's Materia Medica 

In this work you get definitions — what an alkaloid is, an in- 
fusion, a mixture, an ointment, a solution, a tincture, etc. 
Then a classification of drugs according to their physiologic 
action, when to administer drugs, how to administer them, 
and how much to give. 

A Text-Book of Materia Medica for Nurses. By George P. Paul, M.D. 
12mo of 295 pages. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published August, 191 7 

Paul's Fever Nursing new od) edition 

In the first part you get chapters on fever in general, hygiene, 
diet, methods for reducing the fever, complications. In the 
second part each infection is taken up in detail. In the third 
part you get antitoxins and vaccines, bacteria, warnings of 
the full dose of drugs, poison antidotes, enemata, etc. 

Nursing in the Acute Infectious Fevers. Bj^ George P. Paul, M. D. 
12mo of 275 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.00 net. October, 1915 



McCombs' Diseases of Children for Nurses 

NEW (3d) EDITION 

Dr. McCombs' experience in lecturing to nurses lias enabled 
him to emphasize JUS f those poi7its that nurses most need to know. 
National Hospital Record says: "We have needed a good 
book on children's diseases and this volume admirably fills 
the want." The nurse's side has been written by head 
nurses, very valuable being the work of Miss Jennie Manly. 

Diseases of Children for Nurses. By Robert S. McCombS, M. D., 
Instructor of Nurses at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. i2me 
of 509 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $2.25 net. Published June, 1916 



NEW (3d) EDITION 



Wilson's Obstetric Nursing 

In Dr. Wilson's work the entire subject is covered from the 
beginning of pregnancy, its course, signs, labor, its actual 
accomplishment, the puerperium and care of the infant, 
American Journal of Obstetrics says: ** Every page empasizes 
the nurse's relation to the case." 

A Reference Handbook of Obstetric Nursing. By W. Reynolds. 
Wilson, M. D., Visiting- Physician to the Philadelphia I^ying-in 
Charity. 258 Pages, illus. Flexible leather, $1.50 net. April, 1916 



NEW (10th) EDITION 



American Pocket Dictionary 

The Trained Nurse a?id Hospital Review says: **We have 
had many occasions to refer to this dictionary, and in every 
instance we have found the desired information." 

American Pocket Medical Dictionary. Edited by W. A. Newman 
Borland, A. M., M. D. Flexible leather, gold edges, $1.25 net: 
indexed, $1.50 net. Published September. 1917 



THIRD- 
EDITION 



Lewis' Anatomy and Pliysiology 

Nurses Journal of Pacific Coast says * * it is not in any sense 
rudimentary, but comprehensive in its treatment of the sub- 
jects." The low price makes this book particularly attractive. 

Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses. By I,eRoy I^ :w'is, 31. D. IJmo 
of 326 pages; 150 illustrations. Cloth, $1.75 net. 

Published September. 191S 



Goodnow's War Nursing 

Written at the front and on the battlefield, this book shows the 
inexperienced nurse how to care for a ward of wounded men 
from arrival to dismissal; it introduces you to actual conditions^ 
and shows 3-0U how they are best met. 

War Nursing: a Text-Book for Auxiliary Nurses. By Minnie Gooiv 
Now, R. N., War Nurse in France. 172 pages, illustrated. Cloth, 
$1.50 net. Pablisbed December. 1917 

Warnshuis' Surgical Nursing 

The author gives you here the essential principles of surgical 
nursing, and reliable fundamental knowledge based on his 
own personal conclusions and experiences. Secondary matter 
is excluded, and all primary and pertinent points are set down 
briefly and concisely. 

Octavo of 277 pages, with 255 illustrations. By Frederick C. 
Warnshttis, M.D., F.A.C.S., Visiting Surgeon, Butterworth Hos- 
pital. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cloth, $2.50 net. 

Published March, 1918 

Friedenwald and Ruhrah's Dietetics for 

W UrSeS NEW (4th) EDITION 

This work has been prepared to meet the needs of the nurse, 
both in training school and after graduation. Americaii Jour- 
nal of Nursing says it "is exactly the book for which nurses 
and others have long and vainly sought." 

Dietetics for Nurses. Bj' Julius Friedenwald, M. D., and John 
RUHRAH, M.D., Universitj^ of Marj-land School of Medicine and 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. 12mo volume of 467 
pages. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published July, 1917 



FIFTH 
EDITION 



Friedenwald & Ruhrah on Diet 

This work is a fuller treatment of the subject of diet, pre- 
sented along the same lines as the smaller work. Everything 
concerning diets, their preparation and use, coloric values, 
rectal feeding, etc., is here given in the light of the most re- 
cent researches. Published March, 1919 
Diet in Health and Disease. By Julius Friedenwald, M.D., and 
John Ruhrah, M.D. Octavo volume of 919 pages. 



Catlin's Hospital Social Service 

Miss Catlin's book is especially planned to help those who are 
establishing social service centres in new fields, as well as 
those in dispensaries already firmly established. She has had 
the practical experience of many years to draw upon. 

NELiA Catlin, R. N., Director of Social Service Work, Youngstown 
Hospital, Ohio. 12mo of 113 pages, with 43 illustrations. Cloth. 
$1.25 net. Published May, 1918 

Galbraith's Personal Hygiene and Physical 
Training for Women new (2d) edition 

Dr. Galbraith's book tells you how to train the physical pow- 
ers to their highest degree of efficiency by means of fresh air, 
tonic baths, proper food and clothing, gymnastic and outdoor 
exercise. There are chapters on the skin, hair, development 
of the form, carriage, dancing, walking, running, swimming, 
rowing, and other outdoor sports. 

Personal Hygiene and Physical Training for Women. By ANNA M. 
Galbraith, M.D., Fellow New York Academy of Medicine. i2mo of 
393 pages, illustrated. Cloth. $2.25 net. Published January, 1917 

Galbraith's Four Epochs of Woman's Life 

This book covers each epoch fully, in a clean, instructive way, 
taking up puberty, menstruation, marriage, sexual instinct, 
sterility, pregnancy, confinement, nursing, the menopause. 

The Four Epochs of Women's Life. By Anna M. Galbraith, M.D., 
with an Introductory Note by John H. Musser, M. D. 12mo of 296 
pag-es. Cloth, $1.50 net. Third Edition published March, 1917 

Griffith's Care of the Baby new (e.h) edition 

Here is a book that tells in simple, straightforward language 
exactly how to care for the baby in health and disease ; how 
to keep it well and strong; and should it fall sick, how to 
carry out the physician's instructions and nurse it back to 

health again. Published June. 1915 

The Care of the Baby. By J. P. Crozer Griffith, M.D., Univers- 
ity of Pennsylvania. i2mo of 458 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.50 net 



Aikens' Ethics for Nurses printing! 

This book emphasizes the importance of ethical training. It 
is a most excellent text-book, particularly well adapted for 
classroom work. The illustrations and practical problems 
used in the book are drawn from life. 

Studies in Ethics for Nurses. By Charlotte A. Aikens, formerly 
Superintendent of Columbia Hospital, Pittsburg. i2mo of 320 pages. 
Cloth, $2.00 net. Published April. 1916 

Goodnow's History of Nursing 

Miss Goodnow's work gives the main facts of nursing history 
from the beginning to the present time. It is suited for class- 
room work or postgraduate reading. Sufficient details and 
personalities have been added to give color and interest, and 
to present a picture of the times described. 

History of Nursing. By Minnie Goodnow, R.N., formerly Super- 
intendent of the Women's Hospital, Denver. i2mo of 370 pages, 
illustrated. Cloth, $2.00 net. Published December, 1916 

Berry's Orthopedics for Nurses 

The object of Dr. Berry's book is to supply the nurse with a 
work that discusses clearly and simply the diagnosis, prog- 
nosis and treatment of the more common and important ortho- 
pedic deformities. Many illustrations are included. The 
work is very practical. 

Orthopedic Surgery for Nurses. By John McWilliams Berry, 
M.D., Clinical Professor of Orthopedics and Rontgenology, Albany 
Medical College. Cloth, $1.00 net. Published July, 1916 



Whiting's Bandaging 



This new work takes up each bandage in detail, telling you — 
and showing you by original illustrations — just how each 
bandage should be applied, each turn made. Dr. Whiting's 
teaching experience has enabled him to devise means for over- 
coming common errors in applying bandages. 

Bandaging. By A. D. Whiting, M.D., Instructor in Surgery at the 
University of Pennsylvania. i2mo of 151 pages, with 117 Illustra- 
tions. Cloth, $1.50 net. Published November, 1915 



Smith's Operating-Room 

The object is to show you how to assist the surgeon according 
to the newest operative technic. You get the result of active 
experience systematized, and in concise form. You get a thor- 
ough digest of every essential ; detailed lists of instruments ; 
glossary of medical terms. Every phase of the subject is 
covered by ample, practical instruction. 

The Operating-Room. A Primer for Nurses. By Amy Armour 
Smith, R.N., formerly Superintendent of Nurses at the Woman's 
Hospital of the State of New York. 12mo of 295 pages, illustrated. 
Cloth, $1.50 net. Published October. 1916 

Bandler's The Expectant Mother 

This is an anatomy, physiology and hygiene covering those 
points and functions concerned in child-bearing and designed 
for the use of the nurse and the mother. Every question of 
interest to the expectant mother is treated. 

The Expectant Mother. By S. Wyllis Bandler, M. D., Professor 
of Diseases of Women, New York Post-Graduate Medical School 
and Hospital. Cloth, $1.25 net. Published October. 1916 

Winslow's Prevention of Disease 

Here you get a practical guide, giving you briefly the means 
to avoid the various diseases described. The chapters on diet, 
exercise, tea, coffee, alcohol, prevention of cancer, etc., are of 
special interest. There are, besides, chapters on the preven- 
tion of malaria, colds, constipation, obesity, nervous disorders 
and tuberculosis. It is a record of twenty-five years' active 
practice. 

By Kenelm Winslow, M.D., formerly Assistant Professor of Com- 
perative Therapeutics, Harvard University. 12mo of 348 pages, 
illustrated. Cloth, $1.75 net. Published November, 1916 

Brady's Personal Health 

This is different from other health books. It is written by a 
physician with some fifteen years' experience in writing for the 
laity. It covers the entire range of health questions — care of 
mouth and teeth, catching cold, adenoids and tonsils, eye and 
ear, ventilation, skin, hair and nails, nutrition, nervous ail- 
ments, etc. 

Personal Heahh. A Doc(or Book for Discriminating People. By 

William Brady, M.D., Klniira, N.Y. 12mo of 400 pasres. 

Cloth, $1.50 net. Published September. 1916 

11 



Hoxie's Medicine for Nurses 

Medicine for Nurses and Housemothers. B3- George 
Howard Hoxie, M.D. , University of Kansas. 12mo 
of 390 pages, illustrated. Cloth, $1.75 net. 

Third Edition— February, 1918 

Bohm & Painter's Massage 

Massage. By Max Bohm, M.D., Berlin, Germany. Ed- 
ited by Chas. F. Painter, M.D. , Tufts College. Octavo 
of 91 pages, 97 illustrations. Cloth, $1.75 net. June, 1913 

Boyd's State Registration for Nurses 

State Registration for Nurses. By Louie Croft Boyd, 
R. N., Graduate Colorado Training School for Nurses. 
Cloth, $1.25 net. Second Edition— February, 1915 

Morrow's Immediate Care of Injured 

Immediate Care of the Injured. By Albert S. Mor- 
row, M.D. , New York Polyclinic. Octavo of 354 pages, 
with 242 illustrations. Cloth, $2.75 net. 

Third Edition— November , 1917 

deNancrede's Anatomy eighth edition 

Essentials of Anatomy. By Chari^es B. G. deNan- 
CREDE, M. D., University of Michigan. 12mo of 400 
pages, 180 illustrations. Cloth, $1.50 net. Oct., 1911 

Montgomery's Care of Surgical Patients 

Care of Patients Undergoing Gynecologic and Abdom- 
inal Procedures (bp:fore, during, and after opera- 
tion). By E. E. Montgomery, A.M., M.D., LL.D., 
F.A.C.S., Professor of Gynecology in Jefferson Medical 
College, Philadelphia. 12mo of 149 pages, illustrated. 
Cloth, $1.25 net. Published December, 1916 

Register's Fever Nursing 

A Text-Book on Practical Fever Nursing. By Edward C. 
Register, M.D. , North Carolina Medical College. Oc- 
tavo of 350 pages, illustrated. Cloth, |2.50 net. June 1907 



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